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CITY OF LANGFORD

PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURE AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

Monday, January 25th, 2016 @ 5:00 pm

Council Chambers

AGENDA

Page

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

a) Parks, Recreation, Culture & Beautification Committee Meeting —November 23rd, 2015 001

4. REPORTS

a) 2015 CRD Draft Regional Trails Plan 003

- Staff Report (Parks)

b) 2015 Bullfrog Eradication Report— Dr. Stan Orchard 065


c) Regional Parks 2014 Annual Report 083


5. ADJOURNMENT

CITY OF LANGFORD

MINUTES OF THE PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURE AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE

Monday, November 23"1, 2015 @ 5:00 pm

Council Chambers

PRESENT

Councillor: L. Seaton (Chair), Members: R. Prettie, A. Sturgeon and K. Reece.

ATTENDING

Parks Manager, M. Leskiw; Director of Planning, M. Baldwin; Director of Finance, S. Ternent; Parks

Planner, J. Waters; Parks Assistant, S. Lai; Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Paul Lambert

ABSENT

R. Wade (Vice-Chair), N. Arden, M. Stearns, G. Brownlow and M. Gibbins, VCMMC Rep.

1. CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOVED BY: A. STURGEON

SECONDED: R. PRETTIE

That the Parks, Recreation, Culture and Beautification Committee approve the Agenda as amended:

DELETE: Agenda item 4 (a) Presentation.

CARRIED.

3. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

a) Parks, Recreation, Culture & Beautification Committee Meeting —August 24th, 2015

MOVED BY: R. PRETTIE

SECONDED: A. STURGEON

That the Minutes of the Parks, Recreation, Culture and Beautification Committee meeting of August 22, 2015 be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED.

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PR&C Committee November 23, 2015

Page 2 of 2

4. REPORTS

a) Parks OPERATIONS Budget — 2016-2020 Five Year Financial Plan - Staff Report (Parks)

MOVED BY: K. REECE

SECONDED: A. STURGEON

That the Parks, Recreation, Culture & Beautification Committee recommend to Council:

That Council approve in principle the 2016-2020 Parks Operating Budget and refer the report to the

Director of Finance for inclusion in the budget.

CARRIED.

b) Parks CAPITAL Budget — 2016-2020 Five Year Financial Plan - Staff Report (Parks)

MOVED BY: A. STURGEON



That Council approve in principle the 2016-2020 Parks Capital projects listed and refer them to

the Director of Finance for inclusion in the budget.

CARRIED.

c) Park Washrooms — Hours of Operation - Staff Report (Parks)

MOVED BY: K. REECE



That Council direct staff: I. To close Veterans Memorial Park Washroom for the winter season (Oct 1st — Mar. 31St);

ii. To close the Langford Lake (Leigh Rd) washroom on weekdays but open on weekends

during daylight hours; and

iii. Leave all other park washrooms open and monitor should further closures be necessary.

CARRIED. 6. ADJOURNMENT

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

CHAIR CERTIFIED CORRECT

(Administrator)

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City of Langford www.cityoflangford.ca

Staff Report

to

Parks and Recreation Committee

Date: January 25, 2016

Department: Parks & Recreation

Subject: 2015 CRD Draft Regional Trails Plan

-For Information Only

Background

On December 1, 2015, the CRD forwarded a copy of the Draft Regional Trails Plan which is being provided

for information. (Attachment A)

Commentary

The CRD has provided their municipal partners and other stakeholders the opportunity to comment by

January 31, 2016;.

Public feedback may be submitted to an on line survey at the following address:

https://survevs.crd.bc.ca/Draft-Regional-Trails-Management-Plan.aspx

or contact Regional Parks at 250-478-3344.

Financial Implications

Legal Implications

Options

2nd Floor • 877 Goldstream Avenue • Langford, BC Canada • V9B 2X8 T • 250-478-7882 F - 250-478-7864 P3

Respectfully submitted,

P4

Michelle Ma ovlich, P.Geo., P.Eng.

Director of Engineering

ne Waters

rk Planner

att ew Baldwin, MCIP

Director of Planning

Jim Bowden

Administrator Steve Ternent

Treasurer

Regional Parks

490 Atkins Avenue

Victoria, BC, Canada V9B 2Z8

T: 250.478.3344

F: 250.478.5416

www.crd.bc.ca/parks

t.) 141 FT Gitotm I ki-Pc...s

'fiNACLiteir0 PLI9J -MK . File No: 6130.30

CLEXicS 0-1FCERegional Trails

Making a difference...together

November 26, 2015

Mayor Stewart Young and Council City of Langford 2nd Floor - 877 Goldstream Avenue Victoria BC V9B 2X8

Dear Mayor Young and Council:

RE: CRD REGIONAL PARKS — DRAFT REGIONAL TRAILS MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Capital Regional District (CRD) has been developing a Regional Trails Management Plan to guide management and development of regional trails, including the Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector, over the next 10 years.

A CRD-Municipal-Provincial Working Group provided input and advice on several occasions during the planning process. The working group was made up of representatives from municipalities and electoral areas having regional trails located within their jurisdiction and representation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, as the owner of the land on which the Galloping Goose Regional Trail is located. Initial input was also received from interested First Nations with lands along the regional trails and from the public before the Regional Trails Management Plan was drafted.

A draft Regional Trails Management Plan is now available and the CRD is undertaking a second round of public participation to gather comments before finalizing it for approval by the CRD Board.

The CRD is requesting your comments. A copy of the draft Regional Trails Management Plan and related comment form are enclosed for your assistance. These are also available on the CRD website at:

https://vvww.crd.bc.ca/proiectiregional-trails-manaqement-plan

If desired, a summary presentation about the Regional Trails Management Plan can be provided to Council, or your designate, by CRD staff upon request.

Please provide comments by January 30, 2016 to:

Regional Parks 490 Atkins Avenue Victoria BC V9B 2Z8 Attention: Carolyn Stewart

or by e-mail to cstewartcrd.bc.ca using the Subject Line: RTMP Comment.

1812535

Mayor Stewart Young and Council - November 26, 2015 CRD Regional Parks — Draft Regional Trails Management Plan 2

If you have any questions about the draft Regional Trails Management Plan or would like to request a presentation, please contact Carolyn Stewart, Planner, at 250.360.3368 or cstewartcrd.bc.ca.

Sincerely,

Larisa Hutcheson, P.Eng General Manager Parks & Environmental Services

— Enclosures.. Draft Regional Trails Management Plan Comment Form

cc: Mike Walton, Senior Manager, Regional Parks Mike Maclntyre, Acting Manager, Planning, Resource Management & Development, Regional Parks Carolyn Stewart, Planner, Planning, Resource Management & Development, Regional Parks

1812535 P6

ATTACHMENT A

Capital Regional District I September 2015

Acknowledgements

CRD Regional Parks would like to gratefully acknowledge the following people for their contributions to

the planning process.

MunicipaVProvincial/CRD Advisory Group

Rick Daykin, Township of Esquimalt

Karl Erskine, Central Saanich

Ryan Evanoff, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Mike Goldsworthy, District of Saanich

Dan Green, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Ron Hamilton, CRD, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area

John Hicks, CRD, Regional Planning and Protective Services

Kevin House, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Helen Lockhart, City of Colwood

Sheila Mackay, District of Metchosin

Baohua Duan, District of North Saanich

Brian Robinson, Town of Sidney

John Rosenberg, Town of View Royal

Leigh Sifton, City of Victoria

Jane Waters, City of Langford

First Nations

Janice Rose, Esquimalt Nation

Christine Clarke, Songhees Nation

Ken Cossey, Songhees Nation

Gwen Underwood, Tsawout Nation

Jennifer Claxton, Tsawout Nation

lsrayelle Claxton, Tsawout Nation

Tsawout community members that provided comments

Michelle Thut, T'Sou-ke Nation

Karen George, T'Sou-ke Nation

Christine George, T'Sou-ke Nation

Cover photo: Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Selkirk Trestle, Victoria.

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_

Photo: Brenda Robson

CRD Staff

Jennifer Black, Acting (2014) Active Transportation Program Manager, Regional Planning and Protective

Services

Sarah Forbes, GIS Technician, Regional Parks

George Gollmer, Operations Supervisor, Regional Parks

Sue Hallatt, Manager, Aboriginal Initiatives

John Hicks, Transportation Planner, Regional Planning and Protective Services

Kerrie Lowe, GIS Technician, Regional Parks

Mike Maclntyre, Manager of Park Operations Services, Regional Parks

Laurie Sthamann, Communications Coordinator, Regional Parks

Kim St Claire, Manager of Visitor Services and Community Development, Regional Parks

Carolyn Stewart, Park/Trail Planner, Regional Parks

Mike Walton, Senior Manager, Regional Parks

Jeff Ward, Manager of Planning, Resource Management, and Development, Regional Parks

Sarah Webb, Active Transportation Program Manager, Regional Planning and Protective Services

Public

Our thanks also go to the public who participated in developing this Management Plan.

Executive Summary

The Capital Regional District (CRD) has prepared a management plan to guide development,

operations and management decision-making for Regional Trails. Regional Trails are recognized

by the CRD as recreation and transportation corridors.

This management plan includes overarching guidance and policies for regional trails as a whole,

as well as specific policies and priority management actions for three Regional Trails—the Galloping

Goose, the Lochside, and the E&N Rail Trail-Humpback Connector. These trails are an important

part of the cycling and walking network and provide transportation and recreation opportunities

for visitors and residents alike.

The public participation program used in developing the trail management plan included a

Municipal/Provincial/CRD Advisory Group; liaison with First Nations that have lands adjacent to the

three trails, and various public participation opportunities (on-line and public sessions). Input was

sought from each of these groups at the beginning of the project, before the plan was drafted.

Themes and ideas raised through the public participation process have been considered in

developing the plan. A second public participation process will occur to receive comments on the

Draft Regional Trails Management Plan before the Plan is finalized.

The Vision for Regional Trails is:

"As the Regional Trails system grows and matures, a network of interconnected trails

emerges. The trails connect the Capital Region's communities, key destinations, and the

regions beyond. The network facilitates active, healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and

abilities by providing opportunities for both recreation and active transportation. We work

together to create and maintain a trail system that accommodates a diversity of users,

promotes respect among users, and supports positive experiences for all."

Section 2 of the plan provides strategic policies that relate to all regional trails and are used for

good management and decision-making. The policies cover topics including trail use and safety,

planning and development, trail operations and maintenance, enforcement, and partnering

opportunities. Strategic actions are also identified. Sections 3, 4 and 5 provide management plans

for each of the regional trails, including further background about the trail, the mission of the trail,

a development concept, and priority actions. Section 6 outlines plan implementation, monitoring

and evaluation information.

The Regional Trails Management Plan becomes effective upon adoption by the CRD Board.

Implementation of the approved plan is subject to the availability of staff and budget resources,

as supported by CRD-wide strategic priorities. A ten year implementation timeframe is envisioned.

Some of the priority actions for implementation include:

• work with municipalities to improve safety at road-trail crossings and where trails are on-

street, and create links between the regional trails and key regional destinations;

• develop a trail related public awareness and outreach program regarding safety, trail rules

and respectful trail practices;

• assess feasibility of separating trail uses or widening the Galloping Goose to 5-6 m

between the Selkirk Trestle and the Switch Bridge;

• pave remaining sections of the Lochside Trail; and

• complete development of the E8rN Rail Trail, including a link to Sooke Hills Wilderness

Regional Park Reserve parking/staging area.

The Regional Trails Management Plan will be used to assist in service planning, capital planning

and budget planning. Periodic reviews will be undertaken to assess progress on plan

implementation. If substantive changes in direction are required, due to significant issues or new

information, an amendment or plan update process will be initiated. A review of the Plan and its

implementation should occur after 10 years.

Lochside Regional Trail, Saanich Photo: John Luton

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Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction and Context 1

1.1 Purpose of the Plan

1.2 Description of the Current Regional Trails

1.3 Links to Other Plans

1.4 Future Trail Priorities (as per the RP Strategic Plan)

2.0 Regional Trails Strategic Direction 7

2.1 Vision for Regional Trails

2.2 Management Principles

2.3 Outcome Statements

2.4 Overarching Policies for All Regional Trails

2.5 Strategic Actions

3.0 Galloping Goose Regional Trail Management Plan 21

3.1 Background and Context

3.2 The Mission of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail

3.3 Direction Statements

3.4 Development Concept

3.5 Priority Actions

4.0 Lochside Regional Trail Management Plan 26


4.2 The Mission of the Lochside Regional Trail




5.0 E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector Management Plan 31


5.2 The Mission of the E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector




6.0 Plan Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation 36

6.1 Plan Implementation

6.2 Monitoring and Evaluation

List of Maps and Figures

Map 1: Regional Trails 2

Map 2: Initial Priorities for Future Regional Trails 15

Map 3: Galloping Goose Regional Trail Development Concept Er Priority Actions 25

Map 4: Lochside Regional Trail Development Concept Er Priority Actions 30

Map 5: EErN Rail Trail Development Concept Er Priority Act 35

Table 1: Recommended Implementation Priorities and Budget Estimates 36

Appendices

Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms 41

Appendix 2: Off-leash Dog Areas in the Capital Region (2014) 44

Appendix 4: Trail Development Guidelines 46

Appendix 4: Examples of Standard Regional Trail Sign 49

EErN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector, Langford

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1.0 Introduction and Context

The Capital Regional District (CRD), though Regional Parks, has been developing and managing regional trails

for more than 25 years. Management Plans have been developed in the past for the Galloping Goose Regional

Park Corridor (1989) and for the Lochside Regional Trail (2001). The Regional Trails Management Plan (RTMP)

provides strategic direction for all regional trails and management plans for the Galloping Goose Regional

Trail (Galloping Goose), Lochside Regional Trail (Lochside) and EErN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector (E&N Rail

Trail).

The RTMP is consistent with CRD's Regional Parks Strategic Plan (2012) and has been developed with

consideration given to the CRD's Regional Transportation Plan (2014), including the Pedestrian and Cycling

Master Plan. The RTMP provides more specific direction and will guide decision-making relating to the

planning, development, management, and operation of the regional trails system.

A glossary of terms is included in Appendix 1 to aid the reader in understanding acronyms and technical

wording used in this management plan.

1.1 Purpose of the Plan

The purpose of the plan is threefold:

1. to provide strategic direction for regional trails, including a vision for the regional trail system,

management principles, overarching policies, and key strategic actions;

2. to provide specific policy direction and priority actions for each of the three existing regional trails—

Galloping Goose, Lochside, and EErN Rail Trail; and

3. to identify an implementation strategy for regional trail priorities to assist in service, capital and

budget planning processes.

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1.2 Description of the Current Regional Trails

The three regional trails addressed specifically in the RTMP are the Galloping Goose, Lochside, and

EErN Rail Trail (Map 1). The following provides a short description of the regional trails.

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Galloping Goose Regional Trail

This 55 km trail was established in 1987 along a former railway corridor. The majority of the route is owned

by the Province of BC and a lease allows the CRD to develop, operate and maintain a regional trail within

the corridor. Approximately 1.6 km of the route, south of the Selkirk Trestle, is owned and managed by the

City of Victoria.

Starting in the City of Victoria and ending at Kapoor Regional Park in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, the

Galloping Goose Regional Trail (Galloping Goose) has both urban (22 km) and rural (32 km) sections.

Horseback riding, cycling and pedestrian uses are permitted in the rural section, which is classified in the

Regional Parks Strategic Plan as a Multiple Use Trail; cycling and pedestrian uses are permitted in the urban

section, which is classified as a Bike and Pedestrian Trail. In 2014, the trail sees nearly 2 million visits per

year (CRD Regional Parks Annual Report).

Lochside Regional Trail

The 29 km Lochside Regional Trail (Lochside) was established in 2001 and runs mainly along a former railway

corridor. Approximately 12 km of the route are off-street while 17 km are located on roads. The former rail

corridor is owned by the municipalities through which it runs. Some sections of the trail are located on lands

owned by the Province. Agreements with the municipalities and the Province permit the CRD to establish,

operate and maintain a regional trail within the corridor.

Starting at the "Switch Bridge" on the Galloping Goose in Saanich and ending at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal

in North Saanich, the Lochside travels through both urban and rural areas. This trail is classified in the

Regional Parks Strategic Plan as a Bike and Pedestrian Trail. As of 2014, it receives approximately 1 million

visits per year (CRD Regional Parks Annual Report).

E5N Rail Trail — Humpback Connector

The EETN rail corridor is owned by the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF), a consortium of municipalities and

First Nations, and the CRD has an agreement with ICF allowing the development, operation and maintenance

of a regional trail within the corridor. Construction of the 17 km EErN Rail Trail was initiated in 2009 and the

trail is being developed in five phases. This rail route is recognized as an active railway, making this the only

'rail with trail' in the CRD. This urban trail is classified in the Regional Parks Strategic Plan as a Bike and

Pedestrian Trail. In the interim, completed sections will be linked by bike lanes and sidewalks in various

municipalities. Once complete, the trail will run from the Johnson Street bridge in Victoria to Humpback Road

3

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in the City of Langford. The intention is to extend the trail to the Humpback Reservoir in Sooke Hills

Wilderness Regional Park Reserve.

1.3 Links to Other Plans

The CRD Board sets overarching priorities for the CRD through the Regional Sustainability Strategy and the

Board's 4-year strategic priorities. Flowing from these, the various Departments develop strategic documents

to guide their work. Regional trails play a role in both the Regional Parks (recreation) function and in the

Regional Planning 5- Protective Services (transportation) function. A brief discussion is provided below

relating to the links between the Regional Parks Strategic Plan (RPSP), the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)

and the Regional Trails Management Plan (RTMP).

Regional Parks Strategic Plan

The RPSP, which was approved by the CRD Board in 2012, sets out strategic direction for both regional parks

and regional trails. Regional trails are an important part of the regional recreational system and they provide

easily accessible opportunities for a wide range of residents and visitors to undertake low cost outdoor

recreational activities. The RPSP provides an overarching vision for a regional system of parks and trails,

management goals, a trail classification system, and initial implementation priorities. Regional park and trail

management plans must be consistent with the RPSP.

The vision in the Regional Parks Strategic Plan is:

Capital Regional District (CRD) parks and trails secure the region's ecology and quality of

life by establishing, in perpetuity, an interconnected system of natural lands. Parks

protect and restore our region's biodiversity, offer compatible outdoor recreation and

education opportunities and accessible, nourishing, joyful connection with the natural

world and our cultural heritage. Regional trails connect communities and provide many

outdoor recreation opportunities and an alternate non-motorized transportation

network. Parks and trails support the health of our region, its inhabitants and the planet

as a whole. In this century, regional parks and trails will become part of a larger,

integrated and connected system of natural areas. Subscribing to the idea that "nature

needs half", policies and action are explored through sustainability planning to

significantly enhance the system of natural areas in the region in order to sustain life

supporting ecological processes. By conserving at least half of the Capital Region's land

and water base for nature, residents may live and work in harmony with the

environment. 4

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The RPSP sets out the following strategic priorities related to regional trails:

• Complete and update trail management plans for priority parks and trails;

• Continue construction of the E&N Rail Trail;

• In partnership with other public agencies, local government and private landowners, initiate planning

for the regional trails system on Salt Spring Islands and the Southern Gulf Islands.

• Integrate First Nations interests into planning for and management and stewardship of regional trails;

• Undertake a visitor use survey;

• Partner with other levels of government and health agencies to promote the health benefits to the

community of regional trails; and

• Provide more accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature.

Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)

Active transportation (cycling and walking) is promoted by the CRD and is facilitated by having a regional trail

system connecting our communities. The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Pedestrian and Cycling

Master Plan (PCMP) also provide guidance that is applicable to regional trails.

The RTP discusses transportation challenges and opportunities, outlines a vision and principles to guide

transportation actions, proposes regional outcome statements, and identifies actions and strategies to

implement those actions.

The RTP vision is:

A future where transportation is sustainable, offers choice, enables smart growth, and

makes livable communities possible.

Flowing from the RTP vision, the following states are desired over time:

• A multi-modal and integrated approach to transportation exists;

• Cycling is an appealing, safe and viable transportation option for residents and visitors of all skill and

confidence levels;

• Walking is an increasingly popular and desirable mode of transportation that is supported by safe,

convenient, and accessible pedestrian infrastructure; and

• Existing regional trails are enhanced and funding exists for expansions of the regional trail system.

The Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP) was approved as part of the Regional Transportation Plan. It

provides additional guidance.

5

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Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan (PCMP)

The PCMP lays out a plan of action for achieving a significant shift in patterns and modes of transportation

throughout the region. It sets out numerous objectives and covers topics including engineering, education,

enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation. The PCMP establishes a primary inter-community cycling

network and pedestrian priority areas, both of which include the regional trails.

The PCMP vision is:

The Capital Region will be a truly livable and environmentally sustainable community,

where walking and cycling are key components of an innovative and integrated

transportation system. Citizens of all ages in all parts of the region will find active travel

irresistible on a seamless network of Class 1 on and off-street facilities appropriate for

users of all abilities. In 2038 CRD will be lauded for its 25% mode share for cycling in

urban centres and 15% region wide, as well as 15010 mode share for pedestrian travel for

all trip purposes.

Some of the points raised in the PCMP include:

• CRD wants to create a livable and environmentally sustainable region where walking and cycling are

key components of the transportation system;

• Within the region a concerted effort is needed to shift new trips and portions of existing trips (from

motor vehicles) over to walking, cycling and transit;

• It is important to establish a cycling network that is safe and comfortable for all - not just the

courageous and intrepid cyclist; and

• CRD will manage a multi-use regional trail system that provides regionally significant pedestrian

corridors.

1.4 Priorities for Future Regional Trails (as per the Regional Parks Strategic Plan)

The Regional Parks Strategic Plan (2012-2021) outlines key regional trail development priorities, including:

• Completion of the 17 km EErN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector and connecting it to the Trans Canada

Trail (TCT); and

• Planning for a network of regional trails in the Southern Gulf Islands and on Salt Spring Island.

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Based on direction in the Regional Transportation Plan, creating linkages from regional trails to key regional

cycling and pedestrian facilities and regional employment, education, commercial and tourism centres, is

also important future trail planning work.

In addition to these trail planning and development priorities, CRD will advocate for linkages to be

developed by other agencies or municipalities that will further the trail network envisioned within the

region as illustrated in the Regional Parks Strategic Plan.

2.0 Regional Trails Strategic Direction

2.1 Vision for Regional Trails

This vision for Regional Trails illustrates the desired state that the CRD is working toward. It outlines what

CRD hopes to achieve over the life of this plan, and beyond.

As the Regional Trails system grows and matures, a network of interconnected trails

emerges. The trails connect the Capital Region's communities, key destinations and the

regions beyond. The network facilitates active, healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and

abilities by providing opportunities for recreation and active transportation. We work

together to create and maintain a trail system that accommodates a diversity of users,

promotes respect among users, and supports positive experiences for all.

2.2 Management Principles

Management principles are sometimes referred to as values. The following ten principles provide an

overarching philosophy to guide management and decision-making over the next ten years.

1. The vision for regional trails should be considered in all decision-making.

2. Regional trails provide both transportation and recreation opportunities, which are equally important

for a healthy region.

3. The overall trail system provides opportunities for a diversity of non-motorized uses for people of all

ages and abilities.

7

4. Liaison and cooperation with local and provincial authorities is critical to creating an integrated trail

system and the CRD should promote partnership opportunities in areas of mutual interest.

5. Developing and maintaining relationships with First Nations with lands close to the trails is important

and the CRD should promote partnership opportunities in areas of mutual interest.

6. Public awareness and education are important for effective trail management and for positive user

experiences and will be considered as part of all projects.

7. Adjacent land use and development should enhance the trail system and not negatively impact the

specific trail corridor and, where possible and appropriate, liaison with developers and local

governments should aim to ensure this.

8. Respect for nature and maintenance of the greenway character are important and, where possible and

appropriate, natural buffer vegetation should be maintained or enhanced.

9. Any new uses being considered must be consistent with the policies of this Regional Trails

Management Plan and other CRD strategic direction.

10. Adaptive management is used to address changing needs or information, recognizing that substantive

changes will require a plan amendment.

Galloping Goose Regional Trail and EEN Rail Trail, Atkins Road Rest Stop, View Royal

8

2.3

The

next

2.1

evaluate

Outcome Statements

outcome statements below set the main 'aims' or 'intentions' that the CRD will work toward over the

ten years. These targets break down the vision and align with the management principles outlined in

and 2.2 above to reinforce the long term direction being proposed. They will be used to document and

progress when the management plan is reviewed in the future.

n n

1. A network of interconnected trails connects the Capital Region's communities.

2. The regional trail system links to key regional destinations and the regions beyond.

3. The regional trail system facilitates active, healthy lifestyles by providing opportunities for active

(non-motorized) transportation and recreation.

4. The regional trail system accommodates multiple uses and people of all ages and abilities.

S. The CRD works collaboratively with municipal and provincial governments to ensure an integrated

trail system is created within the region.

6. Regional trail management promotes and supports respect among trail users and positive

experiences for all.

7. The public is aware of, supports, and is satisfied with management of the regional trail system.

2.4

The

identified

2.4.1

Overarching Policies for Regional Trails

following policies are broken down into categories that relate to management issues or needs that were

during the development of the management plan.

General

1. Each regional trail will be classified as a Bike and Pedestrian Trail, Multiple Use Trail, or Hiking and

Walking Trail, as per the Regional Parks Strategic Plan.

2. Generally, the regional trail system allow for active transportation and recreation uses, as follows:

• Bike and Pedestrian Trails allow for cycling, walking, running, skateboarding, and rollerblading;

• Multiple Use Trails allow for cycling, walking, running, and horseback riding;

• Hiking and Walking Trails allow for walking, hiking and running.

9

• In the future, additional single use trails may be added to the system (e.g., cycle-only, equestrian

only).

• Regional trails that allow bicycle use will accommodate bicycle trailers up to a maximum width of

1.2 m;

• Motor-assist cycles, as defined by the Motor Vehicle Act, are permitted on regional trails that allow

bicycle use;

• Generally, motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters (used by mobility-challenged individuals)

are permitted on regional trails, though not all trails will be suitable for these uses;

• For the safety of trail users, their pets, and wildlife, all pets must be on-leash at all times while on

regional trails*. Pet owners or guardians should ensure that their pets remain both on the trail

and on the proper side of the trail; and

• Trail management plans may further clarify and/or restrict the types of permitted uses and

locations of uses based on considerations such as geography, sensitive ecosystems, site capacity,

and public input, subject to consistency with the Regional Parks Strategic Plan.

3. The regional trail system as a whole will be managed to accommodate users of different ages and

abilities, although not all sections or trails will necessarily accommodate people of all ages and

abilities.

4. The CRD will use a variety of communication tools to inform the public about key initiatives, safety,

trail rules, and trail etiquette.

S. The CRD will collaborate with trail corridor landowners to establish and maintain necessary agreements

regarding trail development, operations, and maintenance responsibilities.

6. CRD Park Use Permits are required in advance for any event, special use or organized activity planned

to be held on or along a regional trail.

7. The CRD supports municipalities and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (Molt) using

artistic murals on municipal and MOTI tunnels/structures along the regional trail routes.

'Appendix 2 outlines designated municipal off-leash and leash-optional areas within the region (2014

information).

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2.4.2 Trail Use & Safety

1. Users are responsible for their own safety. The CRD will strive to provide safe trail opportunities,

identify hazards to the public, and stress proactive safety measures.

2. For safety reasons and recognizing the multiple uses on regional trails, the CRD highly recommends,

and will promote, that:

• cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers wear helmets at all times when using regional trails;

• all trail users carry or affix to their equipment lights that provide adequate visibility (both to see

and to be seen) and wear light coloured and/or reflective clothing if they are using trails after

sunset and/or in poor weather conditions;

• cyclists slow down when pedestrians or horses are in the vicinity;

• when using off-street sections of regional trails, all users keep right except to pass other users;

• when using on-street sections, the applicable rules of the road be followed;

• all users should only pass other users when there is adequate space to do so in a safe manner;

• cyclists notify other users before passing (by bell or voice);

• parents and pet owners ensure their children and pets remain on the right hand side of centerline

or center of the trail;

• all trail users move to the right if stopping.

3. Weather conditions should be considered by all users before and while using regional trails. People

using regional trails during or after inclement weather should do so with extra caution.

4. The CRD supports regionally-consistent practices where possible, and will advocate for municipalities

to:

• develop local bylaws or implement appropriate signage, as per the Motor Vehicle Act

requirements, to allow cyclists to cycle across crosswalks where they join two sections of a regional

trail route;

• mark all road-regional trail crossings and provide advance warning of the trail crossing to road

vehicles (e.g. crosswalks and advance warning signs);

• work with the CRD to identify and maintain acceptable sight lines for road and trail users where

regional trails cross public roads; and

• work with the CRD, MOTI, and interest groups to explain trail-road crossing rights-of-way and to

promote safe practices to trail and road users.

11

5. The CRD will promote respect among users and fair and practical trail etiquette practices to facilitate

positive, enjoyable experiences for all trail users.

6. The CRD will encourage municipalities to close/remove any road-trail crossings that are unnecessary.

7. The CRD will regularly collect data and monitor types and levels of use on regional trails.

Lochside Regional Trail, Central Saanich Photo: John Luton

2.4.3 Trail Planning and Development

1. Priority will be given to developing regional trails as off-street facilities, where feasible. In some cases,

on-street sections will exist. In such cases, the CRD will recommend that municipalities/MOTI

incorporate road calming and/or road sharing measures for cyclists (e.g. reduced speed limits, bike

lanes, sharrows) and walking space for pedestrians (sidewalks, wide road shoulders).

2. Where feasible, regional trails will interlink in order to connect the region's communities and to create

loop-route opportunities. In some cases, regional trails will provide a "spine" that connects key areas

and to which other trails connect.

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P26-

3. Where feasible, regional trails should provide access to, or link with, other key transportation routes

that provide access to regionally significant areas (e.g. key parks, regional employment centres,

colleges/universities, regional commercial hubs, regional tourism attractions, and transportation hubs).

4. Although both transportation and recreation needs will be considered in trail planning, in high-use

urban areas the transportation role of trails will be given first consideration in planning and then

recreation. In wilderness, rural and low-use urban areas, the recreation role will be given first

consideration and then transportation.

5. Universal accessibility will be considered in trail planning. Trails that are accessible will be noted in

public information. Where significant hills exist along trails that generally provide universal

accessibility, they will be highlighted.

6. The trail development guidelines in Appendix 3 will guide regional trail development. Additional or

revised guidance may be developed, from time to time, to augment or update these guidelines

without requiring an amendment to the RTMP.

7. The CRD will consider widening trails or separating trails based on consideration of criteria, including:

• public feedback;

• congestion;

• volume of each type of use;

• accidents/near misses;

• feasibility based on corridor width and characteristics;

• cost;

• opportunities through adjacent development projects; and

• other potential options/solutions.

8. Generally, visitor facilities will be located at key access points. Where feasible, affordable, and needed,

vehicle parking, washrooms, drinking water, benches, bike racks, information kiosks, and garbage

containers will be combined at these locations. Outside of key accesses, facilities may be considered,

as follows:

• vehicle parking - where there is a significant need for a 'park and ride' facility and/or partnership

opportunities;

• washrooms - when there is significant need, limited alternate opportunities, and/or partnership

opportunities;

13

P27

• drinking water - where there is a significant need, limited alternate opportunities, a cost-effective

option and/or partnership opportunities;

• benches - where there is a significant change in elevation or a scenic vista;

• bike racks - where there is a significant transit hub that may provide combined bike and transit

commuting opportunities or proximate to regional destinations;

• information kiosks - at other key locations where there is significant need for welcoming,

interpretive and regulatory information; and

• garbage containers - where there is a significant need, easy access for maintenance, and limited

alternate opportunities.

9. Public engagement will be undertaken if significant changes are proposed to this Regional Trails

Management Plan (e.g. amendment or update) or if significant projects not identified in the

Management Plan are proposed.

10. Initial priorities for new regional trail development will include (see Map 2):

• completion of the EErN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector including a link to Sooke Hills Wilderness

Regional Park Reserve; and

• planning for a network of regional trails in the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area and Salt Spring

Island.

11. Emergency and maintenance access needs will be considered in trail planning.

12. Regional Trails will be named by the CRD using the following criteria:

• Trail location, geographic feature, or historical reference and

• "Regional Trail" will be included in the official name of all regional trails.

2.4.4 Trail Operations and Maintenance

1. The CRD will conduct a formal annual maintenance inspection of each trail in the spring to identify

possible hazards and maintenance requirements. Requirements will be prioritized for action, subject

to the existing maintenance budget. Through regular work programming, the CRD staff will monitor

the trails for additional maintenance needs.

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P28

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2. The public is encouraged to notify the CRD regarding maintenance and public safety issues on the trails.

New maintenance needs identified throughout the year will be assessed and, as appropriate, be added

to the maintenance list.

3. Regular trail maintenance, such as vegetation management or leaf blowing, is conducted at various

times throughout the year. Special maintenance requirements, such as snow management or tree

blow-down removal, are assessed and addressed after significant weather events. Maintenance is

undertaken during regular CRD work hours.

4. The CRD will conduct regular assessments of significant trail facilities and structures as part of an asset

management program.

15

2.4.5 Signs

1. The CRD will use standardized signs for welcoming, trail etiquette, wayfinding, caution, and regulatory

needs. Each trail will have a separate identifier that will be incorporated into or with trail route

wayfinding signs. The sign guidelines in Appendix 4 will guide development of regional trail signage.

Additional signs may be developed, from time to time, to augment or update these guidelines without

requiring an amendment to the RTMP.

2. The CRD will develop a Sign Plan for each regional trail, will review the Sign Plan at least every ten

years, and update as necessary.

3. Wayfinding methods such as signage, maps, and pavement markings may be used to help users orient

themselves, make route decisions, and identify destinations that may be accessible from the trail.

4. The CRD will work with local municipalities to improve wayfinding between regional trails, local active

transportation routes, and key regional destinations.

5. Where multiple trails are co-located along a single route, the CRD will work with the appropriate

organization to include trail wayfinding signs for each trail (e.g. the Trans Canada Trail, Vancouver

Island Spine Trail, and Galloping Goose are co-located for approximately 20km5 and the BErN Rail Trail

is co-located with these three over approximately 2km).

2.4.6 Enforcement

1. The CRD will work cooperatively with police and municipal bylaw enforcement services for

enforcement needs on regional trails.

2. The CRD will, and the public should, contact local police or RCMP if criminal activities are noted on the

trails.

3. The CRD will notify its bylaw enforcement staff and provide information when CRD bylaw infractions

are noted on the trails.

4. The CRD will, and the public should, notify the appropriate municipal enforcement staff/contractors if

local bylaw issues are noted on the trails.

16

5. The (RD will notify the owners of the trail corridor (municipalities, MOTI, I(F) when encroachments

from adjacent land uses are noted within the corridor. If the encroachment directly affects trail

infrastructure, the (RD will notify its bylaw enforcement division.

2.4.7 Adjacent Land Use

1. Adjacent developments should enhance the trail corridor and/or should not negatively impact the trail

corridor.

2. The following criteria will be used to advise landowners, developers and municipalities on regional

trail interests relating to development proposals on lands adjacent to the regional trails:

• In the interests of public safety, no new road crossings of existing regional trails should be

permitted;

• No negative drainage impacts or new drainage flows shall be directed onto or created within the

trail corridor;

• No encroachments on the trail corridor shall occur during or following construction and temporary

property boundary fencing should be required prior to any construction occurring;

• Consideration should be given to whether the development provides opportunities to expand or

enhance the regional trail system;

• No individual residential or commercial accesses shall be developed to the trail without prior

written approval of the trail corridor landowner and the CRD;

• Natural vegetative buffers on the adjacent lands should be maintained wherever possible. Where

this is not possible, native vegetation or fencing along the property line should be required to

maintain the greenway character of the trail corridor or to minimize potential for creation of

individual accesses to the trail corridor;

• A (RD park use permit is required in advance if any work needs to be undertaken from/within the

trail corridor; and

• Any other comments relating to a specific development proposal in relation to the regional trail.

2.4.8 Environmental

1. The (RD will assess invasive plant management needs along regional trail corridors, as part of a larger

ecological management program, based on ecological risk.

2. The (RD will notify the trail corridor landowner if species at risk are documented along the regional

trail corridors.

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P31

3. The greenway character of trail corridors will be maintained wherever possible, giving consideration

to public safety.

2.4.9 Partnering Opportunities

1. The CRD supports public involvement through donations and partnering opportunities and will solicit

external assistance through partnerships and legacy programs.

2. The CRD will build relationships with, and work cooperatively with municipalities, First Nations, tourism

organizations, and others to facilitate partnering opportunities for trail-related projects of mutual

interest and benefit.

3. The CRD will provide regional trail-related volunteer opportunities as part of a larger regional volunteer

program.

4. Park use permits are required in advance for any event, special use, or organized activity planned on

or along any regional trail.

2.5 Strategic Actions

To address some of the strategic management issues the following new projects and actions are proposed:

1. Work with municipalities and electoral areas on:

• improving safety at road/trail crossings including, but not limited, to consideration of the following:

o conducting warrant analyses of trail-road intersections to assess sightlines and signage

needs;

o adequately marking and lighting at road-trail crossings; and

o improving crossings where needed.

• allowing cycling across trail-related crosswalks, through bylaws or signage, as per the Motor

Vehicle Act requirements;

• improving safety on on-street portions of trails;

• establishing, mapping, and signing links between regional trails and key regional destinations and

active transportation routes; and

▪ partnering on public outreach regarding safe and respectful trail use practices.

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2. Develop and implement a public outreach program including but not limited to:

• road/trail crossing rights of way;

• trail safety;

• trail rules; and

• respectful trail practices (etiquette).

3. Identify and develop needed operational policy, procedures, guidelines, and standards for regional

trails.

4. Map the locations of all visitor facilities along the regional trails using Geographic Positioning System

technology (GPS) and incorporate the data into the CRD's Geographic Information System (GIS).

5. Continue regional trail planning for the Southern Gulf Islands and for Salt Spring Island.

6. Undertake a trail lighting study. The study should include, but not be limited to, assessment of:

• crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) considerations;

• where lighting should or should not be provided;

• feasibility of using various types and styles of lighting (e.g. solar, electric, motion-sensing; low to

ground, street light style, brightness);

• environmental considerations;

• impacts on neighbours;

• costs to implement and maintain trail lighting; and

• other potential options to increase visibility and user comfort after dark and in poor weather.

7. Establish a cooperative enforcement patrol program and enforcement protocols for regional trails with

area police and bylaw enforcement services.

8. Improve the CRD's web-based data and mapping and develop mobile applications to provide increased

trip planning capabilities and customizable trail information for the public.

9. Collaborate with interested First Nations along the trails to establish a standard welcome sign

identifying traditional First Nations territories and potential themes/cultural heritage messages for

possible interpretation along regional trails.

10. Regularly update the Partnerships and Legacy Programs to include the CRD's trail-related needs that

can be undertaken and/or maintained through donations and partnerships.

19

View from the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Sooke

3.0 Galloping Goose Regional Trail Management Plan


The railway corridor, within which the Galloping Goose Regional Trail is built, was established between 1911

and 1924 by the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway (CNPR) and subsequently, the Canadian National Railway

(CNR). It traversed 177 km (73 miles) between Victoria and Youbou, on Cowichan Lake. This rail line was

largely used for transporting logs and freight, though some passenger service was provided. The passenger

car was a gas-powered vehicle known as the "Galloping Goose". Between 1930 and the 1970s, rail use

steadily declined, and in 1979 the rail line was abandoned. The railway corridor was taken over by the

Province of British Columbia.

The initial concept of using the rail corridor for recreation and park purposes was studied in the early 19705

and the "Dogwood Provincial Parkway Proposal" recommended that the entire right-of-way from downtown

Victoria to Cowichan Lake be established as a non-motorized Class "A" Provincial Park. The Provincial Park

did not come to fruition; however, in 1987 the Province leased a 43 km portion of the corridor to the Capital

Regional District for the purpose of a regional trail within a linear park. The lease provided the authority for

the CRD to establish, manage and maintain the trail and park corridor from Atkins Avenue in View Royal to

Leechtown, in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. In 1993, two additional sections of the former CNR corridor

were leased to the CRD to extend the Galloping Goose trail and park corridor—from Atkins Road to Switch

Bridge and from Switch Bridge to the south side of the Selkirk Trestle. The Galloping Goose Regional Trail is

now 55 kms long.

The Regional Parks Strategic Plan splits the Galloping Goose into two trail classifications. From Victoria to

Luxton (Marwood Avenue in Langford), the trail is classified as a Bike and Pedestrian Trail. From Luxton to

Leechtown (Kapoor Regional Park in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area) it is classified as a Multiple Use Trail for

pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.

CRD statistics show that the Galloping Goose Regional Trail receives 2 million visits per year. Generally, the

urban section is more heavily used on weekdays and the rural areas tend to see increased use on weekends.

In recent years, the volume of cyclists using the urban section of the trail between 6-9am and 3-6pm has

risen. The 2013 Regional Trails Survey found that 92% of respondents (2,068) indicated they had used the

Galloping Goose in the past 12 months and 55% of respondents (1,102) indicated the Galloping Goose

Regional Trail was the regional trail they used most often.

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Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Cooper Cove Crossing, Sooke

3.2 The Mission of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail

The mission of a trail explains its role or function. The Galloping Goose is split into two trail classifications

and each of the two sections has a slightly different mission, as noted below.

Victoria to Luxton (in Langford)

As an urban Bike and Pedestrian Trail, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail provides a major

route for active transportation and recreation. It provides access to key regional and local

destinations within Victoria, Saanich, View Royal, Co!wood and Langford for users of all ages

and abilities. The trail links these communities together and, through connections with other

trails and active transportation routes, provides access to places beyond the immediate area.

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail supports an active, healthy community.

Luxton (in Langford) to Kapoor Regional Park (at Leechtown in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area)

As a rural Multiple Use Trail, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail provides active recreation and

transportation opportunities for cyclists, pedestrians and equestrians. It facilitates use and

enjoyment of the outdoors. The trail connects several regional parks and provides an off-

street active transportation route from Langford to Sooke. The Galloping Goose Regional Trail

supports an active, healthy community.

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3.3 Management Goals and Direction Statement

3.3.1 Management Goals

As with the Mission of the trail, there are slightly different management goals given the different trail

classifications that exist on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

Management Goals for the Victoria to Luxton (in Langford) section of the Galloping Goose

• To provide a safe and enjoyable trail for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and

skateboarders between Victoria and the western communities.

• To promote safe and respectful use practices on the trail to help ensure positive

experiences for all users.

• To provide an arterial route within a larger active transportation and recreation network.

Management Goals for the Luxton to Kapoor Regional Park (in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area) section of the

Galloping Goose

• To provide a safe and enjoyable trail for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians between

Luxton (in Langford) and Kapoor Regional Park (in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area).

• To provide an off-street route to access several regional parks.


3.3.2 Management Direction Statement

The vision, management principles, outcome statements, and strategic policies outlined in Chapter 2 apply

to, and guide the management of, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.


The Galloping Goose Regional Trail has existed for more than 25 years and use has increased significantly

over the years. The focus during the timeline of this Management Plan will be to manage and improve the

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P37

regional trail infrastructure, as needed. In the highest use urban sections of the trail, additional attention

will be put to resolving conflicts between user groups.

Key aspects of the development concept are illustrated on Map 3.


1. Work with each municipality and the MOTI to ensure safe road-trail crossings along the trail route. This

may include partnering on intersection warrant assessments and seeking transportation engineering

recommendations. Some key locations include:

• Sooke Road (Hwy 14) at Glen Lake Road/Happy Valley Road inlangford;

• Harriett Road in Saanich;

• Rocky Point Road at Kangaroo Road in Metchosin; and

• Gillespie Road in Sooke.

2. Develop an updated Sign Plan for the trail and update signage.

3. Conduct a comparative study to assess the engineering feasibility and costs/benefits of separating the

trail into two adjacent dual-direction paved trails (one for pedestrian use, one for wheel uses) and/or

widening the existing trail to 5-6 m between the Selkirk Trestle'and the Switch Bridge, and between

Switch Bridge and McKenzie Avenue/Highway 1.

4. Undertake major infrastructure upgrading (e.g. trestles and bridges) as part of the on-going asset

management program and improve trestle surfacing, where appropriate and feasible, to be smoother

for trail users.

5. Formalize, through agreements, any sections of trail route that are outside of the MOTI lease area, as

necessary.

6. Work with BC Transit regarding the implications of transit development on the trail route.

7. Expand the Atkins Avenue parking lot or create an additional park and ride opportunity somewhere

between Atkins Road (View Royal) and Tillicum Road (Saanich), when required.

24

P38

8. Work with the City of Victoria to formalize the rest stop in the Cecilia Ravine, including adding an

information kiosk.

9. Work with Colwood and Metchosin to create a pedestrian and cycling link/loop route from the Galloping

Goose to Witty's Lagoon Regional Park.

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4.0 Lochside Regional Trail Management Plan


Beginning in 1917, the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway (CNPR) ran a daily train that transported up to 74

passengers and freight between Victoria and the steamship dock at Patricia Bay on the Saanich Peninsula,

with connecting service to the Lower Mainland. Passenger service continued until the 1920s, when

competition from cars, buses and other railways forced the CNPR into bankruptcy. The Canadian National

Railway took over and operated freight trains on the line until the 19305. Freight continued to be transported

along a spur line past Swan Lake until 1990.

When the rail line was abandoned, it was turned over to the various municipalities along the route as a road

allowance known as Lochside Drive. In some municipalities, the road was developed while in others, it

remains unopened to motor vehicles.

The 1988 Official Regional Parks Plan included a proposal for a 225 km regional trail route from Swartz Bay

(North Saanich) to Point-No-Point (Juan de Fuca Electoral Area), part of which included the 29 km that

became the Lochside Regional Trail. At the time, the municipalities were asked to include the regional trail

in their Official Community Plans and partnerships were envisioned for the purpose of developing and

maintaining the trail. The CRD Parks Master Plan (2000), developed through an extensive three-year public

consultation process, outlined in greater detail the vision, objectives and management direction for the

regional trail system. At that time, the CRD's role was to advocate, coordinate and cooperate with public

agencies, municipalities or private organizations to establish and operate the trail system. One of the

strategic directions noted was to complete the Lochside Regional Trail and provide opportunities for outdoor

recreation use from Swartz Bay to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The various municipalities developed

their respective sections of the Lochside Regional Trail, a Trail Management Plan was approved in 2001, and

Agreements were established allowing the CRD to operate the Lochside as a Regional Trail, working in

cooperation with the municipalities and the MOT1.

The Lochside Regional Trail stretches from the Switch Bridge on the Galloping Goose Regional Trail to the

Swartz Bay ferry terminal in North Saanich. The majority of the trail is along the former rail corridor, though

some sections have been developed outside of that corridor, including sections within the Provincial Pat Bay

Highway right-of-way and along McDonald Park Road. The following provides updated policy and

management direction for the Lochside Regional Trail.

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P4

Saanich's Blenkinsop Trestle, Lochside Regional Trail Photo: John Luton

4.2 The Mission of the Lochside Regional Trail

In line with the Vision for Regional Trails, the mission of the Lochside Regional Trail is:

As a Bike and Pedestrian Trail, the Lochside Regional Trail provides a major route for

active transportation and recreation. It provides access to key regional and local

destinations in Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney for users of all ages

and abilities. The trail links these communities together and, through connections with

other trails and active transportation routes, provides access to places beyond the

immediate area. The Lochside Regional Trail supports an active, healthy community.

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4.3 Management Goals and Direction Statement


• To provide a safe and enjoyable trail for pedestrians and cyclists between the Galloping

Goose Regional Trail in Saanich and Swartz Bay in North Saanich.

• To provide access to key regional destinations, such the Greater Victoria airport, ferries,

and regional parks, along the trail and through links with other trails and active

transportation routes.


experiences for all users.

4.3.2 Management Direction Statement

The vision, management principles, outcome statements, and strategic policies outlined in Chapter 2 apply

to, and guide the management of, the Lochside Regional Trail.


The focus during the timeline of this Management Plan will be to update and improve the regional trail

infrastructure, as needed, to facilitate safe cycling and pedestrian use. Horseback riding will continue to be

permitted along a small section of the trail, between Island View Road (Central Saanich) and Lochside Park

(Saanich,) until the trail is paved. Separate surfacing will not be provided for horses alongside the trail.

Key aspects of the development concept' are illustrated on Map 5.


1. Develop and implement an updated Sign Plan for the trail, including working cooperatively with key

organizations to install a southbound trailhead information kiosk by the ferry.

2. Pave remaining sections of the trail, starting at south end and working north.

3. Work with municipalities to improve high use/high conflict areas and/or to shift the trail off-street where

appropriate (e.g. Lochside Park, Lochside Road in Saanich).

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P42

4. Work with municipalities to develop and sign active transportation links (e.g. from the trail to Elk/ Beaver

Lake, Island View Beach and Horth Hill Regional Parks, to 'The Flight Path' trail around the Victoria

International Airport, to Mt. Douglas Park and Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, and to the Brentwood Bay

ferry).

5. Work with the Town of Sidney to consider a trail route change from Ocean Street to Weiler Street.

6. Assess, and if feasible, widen the trail to 5-6 m from the Switch Bridge to Quadra Street in Saanich.

7. Partner with Saanich to establish the following trail facilities:

• a "park and ride" and trail rest stop facility at Fowler Park, potentially including a washroom, drinking

water fountain, bench, garbage can, and bike rack; and

• a washroom in the vicinity of the Blenkinsop Connector rest stop area or adjacent parking area.

8. Formalize, through agreements, any sections of trail route that are outside of the Lochside Road

allowance and/or former railway corridor.

Lochside Regional Trail, Mt. Newton Cross Road Rest stop, Central Saanich

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Map 4 Loclisicle Regioinal Trail Development Concept a Priority Actions CfaID .....,--- ..„.. tams= Lochskle Reglonol Toll Rher /Stream

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30

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5.0 MN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector Management Plan


Incorporated in 1883 by Sir Robert Dunsmuir, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (MN) Railway played a significant

role in the Province's coal and lumber industry, and for the Royal Navy base in Esquimalt. The original rail

line traversed 115 kms between Esquimalt and Nanainno and was extended to the City of Victoria in 1888.

Owned and operated at various times by the Canadian Pacific Railway, ViaRail, and Rail America, the EErN

railway is now wholly owned by the Island Corridor Foundation (ICF), a partnership of First Nations and

municipal governments along the corridor. The rail line is considered active and ICF is in the process of

updating its infrastructure to reinitiate passenger travel.

As far back as 2000, a proposal for a recreation trail along the EErN rail line had local support. The Township

of Esquimalt proposed that a new 3m wide, 8km long trail be built along the E&N rail line in Victoria,

Esquimalt and View Royal to create a 17km loop route with the Galloping Goose Regional Trail. The proposed

trail was referred to as the West Side Rail Trail. It was felt that this new linear parkway would achieve many

goals including:

• providing a safe alternative route for pedestrians currently walking along the tracks;

• making Greater Victoria a more cycle-friendly community;

• improving pedestrian and cycling access in Victoria, View Royal, Esquimalt and for the Songhees and

Esquimalt First Nations;

• transforming a neglected industrial corridor;

• Reducing the risk of fire, criminal behavior, and graffiti issues along the rail line; and

• improving property values for lands adjacent to the rail line.

In 2006, the CRD became involved and took it on as a larger regional trail project - extending the proposed

route through Langford to Humpback Road. In 2007, ICF, the owner of the railway corridor, agreed to provide

the CRD with a licence allowing it to develop and operate a trail adjacent to the rail line—the first "Rail with

Trail" in the region. CRD contracted preliminary designs for the trail and was successful in obtaining initial

grant funding for Phase 1 of the project. Along with the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails, the

MN Rail Trail facilitates active transportation and recreation pursuits within the CRD.

Phase 1 of the trail consisted of approximately 6.5 km of new trail spread over four municipalities (Langford,

View Royal, Esquimalt and Victoria) and upgrading (paving) of 2.5 km of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail

31

P45

route, where the two trails are co-located. Phase 1 construction was initiated in 2009. Phase 2 construction,

a further 2km in View Royal, was initiated in 2014. Three additional phases (two in Langford and one in

Victoria) will be developed in the future. There is intent to extend the trail along Humpback Road to Sooke

Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve, where it will link with the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail in Sooke Hills

Wilderness Regional Park Reserve.

Once complete, the 17 km trail will connect Langford, View Royal, Esquimalt and Victoria and provide a

largely off-street bicycle and pedestrian trail.

5.2 The Mission of the E&N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector

In line with the Vision for Regional Trails, the mission of the E8N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector is:

As an urban Bike and Pedestrian Trail, the E8-N Rail Trail - Humpback Connector

provides a major route for active transportation and recreation. It provides access to

key regional and local destinations within Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal and Langford

for users of all ages and abilities. The trail links these communities together and,

through connections with other trails and active transportation routes, provides access

to places beyond the immediate area. The E8-N Rail Trail supports an active, healthy

community.

MTN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector, Portage Park Rest Stop, View Royal

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5.3 Management Goal and Direction Statements

The EErN Rail Trail is notable as the first 'Rail with Trail' in the CRD. It is expected that, in the future,

passenger rail service will occur on the tracks located beside the trail. This, along with the transportation

and recreation roles of the trail itself, must be considered as the trail development and management

continue.


• To provide a safe and enjoyable trail for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and

skateboarders, located within the municipalities of Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal, and

Langford and proximate to the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations' Reserves.

• To provide an arterial route within a larger active transportation network.

• To links to other trails and active transportation routes and provide access to key regional

destinations.

• To promote safe and respectful use practices on the trail to help ensure positive experiences

for all users.

5.3.2 Management Direction Statement The vision, management principles, outcome statements, and strategic policies outlined in Chapter 2 apply

to and guide the management of the EErN Rail Trail.


The focus during the timeline of this Management Plan will be to complete the development of the E&N Rail

Trail - Humpback Connector, including extending it to the Humpback Reservoir in Sooke Hills Wilderness

Regional Park Reserve (SHWRPR), where it will link with the Sooke Hills Wilderness Trail in Sooke Hills

Wilderness Regional Park Reserve. Acquiring both internal and external funding is critical to achieving this

goal.

Phase 1 (9km) is nearly complete, phase 2 (2km) was initiated in 2014 and is substantially complete. The

next section to be developed, Phase 3 (1.15km) in Langford, will provide a significant link between Phase 1

33

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and Phase 2 areas. Two additional phases, one in Victoria (1.3 km) and one in Langford (3.6 km, respectively)

need to be developed to complete the trail. To connect the EErN Rail Trail to SHWRP and the Trans Canada

Trail route an additional 700m trail extension along Humpback Road and through the regional park is

required. The Jacklin Road to Humpback Road phase should be modified to include this extension.

Visitor facilities will be developed at primary and secondary hubs along the trail, allowing opportunities for

users of varying ages to find options that suit their abilities. As sections of the trail are completed, they will

be opened for use. Once fully complete, a trail celebration and official opening will be held.

Key aspects of the development concept are illustrated on Map 5.


1. Complete the trail development, including:

• Esquimalt Road to Wilson Street in the City of Victoria, including safe crossing of Esquimalt Road

(Phase 1);

• Hallowell Road in the Town of View Royal to Maplebank Road on the Songhees Nation Reserve

(Phase 1);

• Atkins Road to Savory School in the City of Langford (Phase 3);

• Jacklin Road to Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park staging area in the City of Langford; and

• Esquimalt Road to Johnson Street Bridge section in the City of Victoria; and

• An extension to Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park Reserve.

2. Work with municipalities, First Nations and other partners on the following potential partnership visitor

facilities projects:

• EErN Rail Trail/Regional Parks information map at Colville Park (with the Township of Esquimalt);

• Potential visitor facilities hub on First Nations Reserve lands (with Esquimalt and Songhees

Nations and Department of National Defence);

• A trailhead and visitor facilities hub by the Johnson Street bridge (with the City of Victoria);

• A rest area at Hereward Green (with the City of Victoria);

• Washroom facility at Portage Park (with the Town of View Royal); and

• A visitor facilities hub in Leigh Road Park or elsewhere in the Jacklin Rd to Humpback Reservoir

trail section and at Veterans Memorial Way (with the City of Langford).

3. Develop a Legacy Project (for public donations) for four additional drinking water fountains along the

trail.

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35

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6.0 Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation

6.1 Plan Implementation

The Regional Trails Management Plan (RTMP) comes into effect upon CRD Board approval and continues to

apply until a new or updated plan is approved by the Board. The RTMP replaces the existing Galloping Goose

Regional Park Corridor Management Plan (1998) and the Lochside Regional Trail Management Plan (2001),

provides a management plan for the EETN Rail Trail, and management direction for all new regional trails. This

RTMP is expected to guide management of the regional trails for at least a 10 year period.

Recommended priority management actions are provided in Table 1. These recommendations have been

developed having given consideration to input received from the public, interested First Nations, and

municipal, regional, and provincial staff. Many of these actions will require additional resourcing prior to

implementation. This list is provided to assist Regional Trail managers in Service Planning, Budget Planning,

Capital Planning, and Work Planning processes and to guide and assist decision-makers. Detailed project

scoping and budgeting will be required before implementation of management actions can occur.

Management actions will be undertaken as resources are available.

Table 1: Recommended Implementation Priorities

Action Strategic or Trail Specific Recommended Priority*

Work with municipalities and electoral areas on: Strategic and Short Term • increasing safety at road/trail crossings; Galloping Goose • allowing cycling across, trail-related

crosswalks, through bylaws or signage, as

per the Motor Vehicle Act requirements;

• improving on-road trail sections;

• establishing, mapping and signing links

between regional trails and key regional

destinations and active transportation

routes; and

• a public outreach regarding safe and

respectful trail use practices.

*Note: the actions within this table are identified as short, medium and longer term priorities. Within these

categories (e.g. short term priority), the proposed actions are not further ranked or prioritized. They are

listed in order as noted in the Management Plan (Strategic actions, then Galloping Goose Regional Trail

actions, followed by Lochside Regional Trail actions, finally EErN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector actions).

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DC1

Develop and implement a public outreach

program, particularly relating to trail rules,

etiquette, and safety.

Strategic Short Term

Identify and develop needed operational policy,

procedures, guidelines, and standards for

regional trails.


To aid in the development and ongoing

maintenance of CRD's Geographic Information

System (GIS) and Asset Management System,

GPS the locations of all visitor facilities along the

regional trails and incorporate into the data into

the CRD's Asset Management system.


Develop and implement an updated Sign Plan for

the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

Galloping Goose Short Term

Conduct a comparative study to assess the

engineering feasibility and costs/benefits of

separating the Galloping Goose into two adjacent

dual-direction paved trails (one for pedestrians;

one for cycling) or widening the existing trail to

5-6 m between the Selkirk Trestle and the Switch

Bridge and between the Switch Bridge and

McKenzie Avenue along Highway 1.


Undertake major infrastructure upgrading (e.g.

trestles and bridges) as part of the on-going

asset management program and improve trestle

surfacing.


Develop and implement an updated Sign Plan for

the Lochside Regional Trail.

Lochside Short Term

Pave remaining sections of the Lochside trail,

starting at south end and working north.

Lochside Short Term

Complete the EErN Rail Trail - Humpback

Connector, including an extension/link to

Humpback Reservoir in Sooke Hills Wilderness

Regional Park Reserve.

EErN Rail Trail Short Term

(may continue into

Medium term)

Info/kiosk/rest stop at Johnson St kiosk (for

Goose and E&N) in association with City of

Victoria

Galloping Goose and

EErN Rail Trail

Short Term

(may shift to Medium

Term given Johnson St

bridge and EErN Rail Trail

construction)

37

nr q

Contract a regional trail lighting study. Strategic Medium Term

Establish a cooperative enforcement patrol

program and enforcement protocols for regional

trails with area police and bylaw enforcement

services.

Strategic Medium Term

.

Improve CRD's web-based data and mapping and

develop mobile applications to provide increased

trip planning capabilities and customizable trail

information for the public.


Collaborate with interested First Nations along

the trails to establish a standard welcome sign

identifying traditional First Nations territories and

potential themes/cultural heritage messages for

possible interpretation along regional trails.


Regularly update the Partnerships and Legacy

Programs to include CRD's trail-related needs that

can be undertaken and/or maintained through

donations and partnerships.


Regional Parks and Regional Planning

collaboration re: pedestrian and cycling data

collection and use monitoring program.


Formalize, through agreements, any sections of

Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail

routes that are outside of the MOTI lease area,

Lochside Rd allowance/former railway corridor, or

Island Corridor Foundation railway corridor, as

necessary.

Galloping Goose, Lochside

and Ea-N Rail Trail

Medium Term

Work with BC Transit re: implications of transit

development on the trail route.

Galloping Goose Medium Term

Expand Atkins Rd parking lot or create an

additional park and ride opportunity somewhere

between Atkins Rd (View Royal) and Tillicum Rd

(Saanich), when required.

Galloping Goose Medium Term

Work with municipalities to improve high

use/high conflict areas and/or to shift the

Lochside trail off-street where appropriate (e.g.

Lochside Park, Lochside Rd in Saanich).

Lochside Medium Term

38

—„

Work with the Town of Sidney to consider a

possible trail route change from Ocean St to

Weiler St.


Assess, and if feasible, widen the trail from the

Switch Bridge to Quadra St in Saanich to 5-6m.


Work with municipalities, First Nations and

other partners on the following potential

partnership visitor facilities projects:

• EErN Rail Trail/Regional Parks information

map at Colville Park (with Township of

Esquimalt);

• Potential visitor facilities hub on First

Nations Reserve lands (with Esquimalt and

Songhees Nations and Department of

National Defence);

• A trailhead and visitor facilities hub by the

Johnson Street bridge (with City of Victoria);

• A rest area at Hereward Green (with City of

Victoria);

• Washroom facility at Portage Park (with

Town of View Royal); and

• A visitor facilities hub in Leigh Road Park or

elsewhere in the Jacklin Rd to Humpback

Reservoir trail section and at Veterans

Memorial Way (with the City of Langford).

EErN Rail Trail Medium Term

Work with Colwood and Metchosin to create

pedestrian and cycling link/loop route from the

Galloping Goose to Wittys Lagoon Regional Park.

Galloping Goose Longer Term

Work with the City of Victoria to formalize the rest

stop in the Cecilia Ravine, including adding an

information kiosk.

Galloping Goose Longer Term

Partner with Saanich to establish the following

trail facilities:

• a "park and ride" and trail rest stop

facility at Fowler Park, potentially

including washroom, drinking water

fountain, bench, garbage can, and bike

rack; and

Lochside Longer Term

39

• a washroom in the vicinity of the

Blenkinsop Connector rest stop area or

adjacent parking area.

Develop a Legacy Project (for public donations)

for 4 additional drinking water fountains along

the trail.

• E&N Rail Trail Longer Term

6.2 Plan Monitoring and Evaluation

The RTMP will be reviewed regularly by the CRD to link the recommended management actions into CRD

planning and approval processes, such as capital planning, service planning and the annual budget process.

Regular reviews should be undertaken to assess the progress on implementing the recommended actions.

If significant issues or new information arise over the lifespan of the Management Plan, that require a

substantive change in policy or management direction to address, a plan amendment may be considered.

Amendments to the RTNIP must be approved by the CRD Board.

Prior to initiating a full Management Plan update, an evaluation of the current plan will be undertaken.

The Evaluation will consider:

• if the vision, management principles and management outcomes have been useful in guiding

management of the regional trails;

• if the vision, management principles and management outcomes are still relevant;

• if the strategic policies covered all or most of the major issues and management considerations that

arose over the span of the management plan timeframe;

• if the strategic policies still apply or require updating/modification;

• to what extent the outcome statements and recommended actions were implemented;

• to what extent each trail development concept was met or advanced;

• if the plan was used by/helpful to staff responsible for managing regional trails;

• if minor or major changes to the plan's direction are needed; and

• if the outstanding actions are still relevant and should be undertaken.

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Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms

Active Transportation: Active transportation includes all human powered forms of transportation, in

particular walking and cycling, but also skateboarding, rollerblading and the use of mobility aids such as

wheelchairs.

Adaptive Management: Allows one to take action given available information, assess the action taken,

and modify the action if needed given the post-implementation assessment or when further information

is available.

Bike and Pedestrian Trail: Regional trails that are designated primarily to accommodate high volume of

users for recreational and commuting cycling, and for walking and running. Non-motorized vehicle

transportation corridors for commuters, they are the arterial cycling trails in the region. These trails have

major infrastructure and a paved surface.

CRD: Acronym used for the Capital Regional District, which provides regional and sub-regional services

for the 13 municipalities and three electoral (unincorporated) areas. As a corporate entity the CRD is

governed by a Board of Directors, made up of elected municipal and electoral area representatives from

the municipalities and electoral areas. The CRD's administration is overseen by a Chief Administrative

Officer and an Executive Leadership Team that are appointed by the Board as officers of the corporation.

The CRD is directly accountable to the municipal partners and electoral areas for services it provides.

EaN Rail Trail — Humpback Connector: A regional trail located largely with the EEIN Railway corridor,

through portions of Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal and Langford. This is the first 'Rail with Trail' in the

CRD and it is anticipated that the rail transportation will be reinstated along this rail line in the future. This

trail is also referred to as the EErN or the EErN Rail Trail.

Encroachment: The placement of any building, structure, or material by a landowner, or their designate,

on land that is not owned by that landowner.

First Nations: An organized aboriginal group or community, especially any of the bands officially

recognized by the Canadian government.

GIS: Acronym used for a Geographical Information System, which is at tool to capture, display and analyze

41

mapped information.

GPS: Acronym for Global Positioning System, which is a tool to digitally record locational information for

mapping purposes.

Hiking Er Walking Pathways: Regional trails that link regional and other parks into one continuous

pathway system in the capital region. They are corridors used for walking, running, hiking, and where

possible, horseback riding. These regional pathways are modelled on the pathway system found in Great

Britain. Pathways provide natural greenway connections between parks through suburban land and other

landscapes, such as farms and resource lands. Regional pathways, as a general rule, will be a single-track

trail that may, at times, be embedded in and parallel to a regional trail. The can also exist on streets.

Invasive species: Non-native/introduced species of plants or animals that out-compete native species in

a specific habitat.

MOTI: Acronym used for the Provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Multiple Use Trails: Regional trails that are designed for biking, hiking and horseback riding. The surface

of these trails will be improved with gravel and designed to prevent degradation of the natural surface

area through erosion and runoff.

Positive Visitor Experience: When users are satisfied that both their needs and their expectations have

been met or exceeded.

Public Consultation/Public Participation: A process through which the public is informed about proposals

proposed by a planning authority and invited to submit input and comments.

Regionally Significant Destinations: Areas that are regional in nature, such as regional employment

centres, regional scale commercial facilities, universities/colleges, transit stations, major tourist venues,

regional parks and trails.

Regional Parks Strategic Plan: A strategic document that is system-wide in scope. It provides a vision

and purpose for CRD Regional Parks. It also gives direction for achieving the highest standards of public

service and stewardship in protecting the natural environment and providing opportunities for outdoor

experiences and activities.

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Regional Trail: A trail developed, operated and/or maintained by the Capital Regional District that links

several communities within the region and provides for long distance recreation and transportation

opportunities.

Shallows: A term used for shared use lane markings on roadways. Two white chevron markings (inverted

Vs) are used, usually with a bicycle symbol beneath, to raise awareness of both cyclists and motorists of

the correct cyclist positioning in the lane.

Universal Accessibility: refers to the design of facilities or environments for people with disabilities. The

concept of accessible design ensures both "direct access" (unassisted) and "indirect access" meaning

compatibility with a person's assistive technology (e.g., wheelchairs).

Warrant analysis: A warrant is a set of criteria used in assessing a situation to identify the relative need

for, and appropriateness of, a traffic control device (e.g., STOP or YIELD sign, traffic signal, etc.). Warrants

may consider the volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, sight lines, elevation, etc.

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Appendix 2: Off-leash or Leash Optional Dog Areas in the

Capital Region (2014) The following identifies known off-leash or leash optional dog areas within the Capital Region. This is a

reference only and should not be relied upon as an accurate or complete synthesis of municipal park bylaw

requirements. Additional requirements or restrictions may apply. All persons should check municipal

bylaws before using the areas listed below,for off-leash activities to ensure they have accurate and up-to-

date information.

City of Victoria

Alexander Park (6:am-10am and 4pm-10pm)

Arbutus Park (6am-10pm)

Banfield Park (April 1-September 20, 6am-9am and 5pm-10pm; October 1-March 31, 6am-10pm)

Beacon Hill Park (south of Dallas Road, from Douglas Street to Clover Point)

Clover Point Park

Gonzales Beach (September 1-May 31)

Oswald Park (6am-10pm)

Pemberton Park (6am-10pm)

Redfern Park (6am-10am and 4pm-10pm)

Songhees Hilltop Park (6am-10pm)

Topaz Park (Off Leash Area: Monday-Friday, 6am-10am and 4pm-10pm; Saturday and Sunday, 6am-8am

and 5pm-10pm)

Topaz Park (Alternate off leash area: 6am-10prn)

Vic West Park (6am-10pm)

District of Oak Bay:

Anderson Hill Park (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset; leash recommended April-June due to bird

nesting season)

McNeil Bay Beach (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

McMicking Point, Trafalgar Park, Walbran Park (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

Cochrane's Commons (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

Marina Park/Beach (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

Mary Tod Island (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

Haynes Park (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

Cattle Point (January-December, Sunrise td Sunset; dogs must be leashed when on roadway and in

parking lot; dogs must be in control around seabirds on shoreline)

Loon Bay Park Oakdown Park (January-December, Sunrise to Sunset)

Windsor Park (May 1-Sept 15 sunrise to 9am; Sept 15-April 30 sunrise to 11am; excluding playground

area and rose garden)

44

P58

Willow Beach (October 2-April 30)

Uplands Park (January-March and July-December

Town of Sidney: Peter Grant Park

Town of View Royal:

Aldersmith Park (excluding Garry Oak Meadow)

Centennial Park (between October 1-March 31)

Knockan Hill Park

Portage Park

View Royal Park (northwest of footbridge)

Township of Esquimalt:

Highrock Park

Macauly Point (east of breakwater)

Captain Jacobson Park

Saxe Point Park (westerly side only)

In other jurisdictions in the Capital Region, dogs must be "under effective control" or "under direct and

continuous control" when in public areas. Again, all persons should check the relevant municipal

requirements to ensure compliance requirements.

45

P59

Appendix 3: Trail Development Guidelines

General Trail Development Guidelines for Regional Trails 1. Bike 5- Pedestrian Trails:

• Primarily dual use (cycling and pedestrian use, the latter includes walking, hiking, running,

skateboarding and roller blading),

• In some areas equestrian use may be permitted through a Management Plan;

• Double track/Two way travel;

• Paved surface; Surface material: pathway fines (gravel);

• Maximum grade of 10% with short sections up to 15%. In some areas, due to natural terrain grades

may exceed standards. In these cases, signage will be used to warn users of steep slopes;

• Standard tread width 4m; may be up to 7m width in high use areas or high use areas with separated-

use sections; may be as narrow as 3 m in areas with restricted corridors and 2 m in environmentally

sensitive areas;

• Standard shoulder width (each side) 0.5m minimum;

• Cleared width - tread width plus 1m on each side; and

• Cleared height — 3 m in height.

2. Multi-Use Trails:

• Multiple uses including cycling, pedestrian (excluding roller blading and skateboarding), and

equestrian uses;

• Double track/Two way travel;

• Gravel surface;

• Surface material: pathway fines (gravel);

• Maximum grade of 10% with short sections up to 15%. In some areas, due to natural terrain grades

may exceed standards. In these cases signage will be used to warn users of steep slopes;

• Standard tread width 4m; may be up to 6m width in high use areas, as narrow as 3 m in areas with

restricted corridors. In sensitive areas or low use rural or wilderness areas a 2m minimum tread is

acceptable;

• Standard shoulder width (each side) 0.5m minimum; in sensitive areas or low use rural or wilderness

areas a shoulder width of 0.25 is acceptable;

• Cleared width — tread width plus 1 m on each side;

• Cleared height — 3-4 m in height; and

46

P60

3. Hiking and Walking Trails:

• Primarily single use for walking, hiking, and running use;

• In some areas equestrian use may be permitted;

• Single track/two way travel;

• Gravel surface;

• Standard tread width 2m;

• Standard shoulder width 0.25-0.5m

• Cleared width - tread plus 0.5 m on each side

• Cleared height - 3m; 4m if horses are permitted.

4. Single Use Trails (new trail type):

• Single use for cycling-only or equestrian-only use;

• Double track/two way travel or single track/one way travel;

• Paved surface (urban cycling-only trails);

• Gravel surface (for mountain biking-only or equestrian-only trails);

• Standard tread width for double track 3-4 m;

• Standard tread width for single track 1-2 m;

• Standard shoulder width - 0.25-0.5 rn;

• Cleared width - tread plus 0.5 m on each side; and

• Cleared height - 3 m in height for cycling or pedestrian; 4 m for equestrian trails.

Trail Markings

• A dashed centre line will be used on paved trail surfaces (including paved bridge decks), as long as

the trail surface is a minimum of 3m in width. Where the trail tread is less than 3m wide no centre

line will be used but instead, a narrow surface sign will be used at each end of the narrow surface and

white edge lines will be used to provide a visual guide for users. Where significant sightline challenges

exist, solid centerlines may be used.

• The solid centre line will be used on paved trail surfaces approximately 5 m in advance of bollards, a

diamond shape will be painted around the centre bollard, and the solid line will extend toward the

road.

• White edge lines will be used on paved trails to alert users to identify where curbs or fences located

in close proximity to the trail may pose a hazard.

• Kilometre markings may be painted on the trail surface or posted on signs.

• Symbols for permitted or restricted uses may be painted on the trail surface and/or posted on signs.

47

P61

• On single use trails a diamond and use symbol may be painted on the trail surface to identify the

permitted use and/or posted on signs.

• Directional information may be painted on the trail surface and/or posted on signs.

Bollards • Bollards will be used in advance of trail-road intersections to preclude motor vehicles from accessing

the trail and to alert trail users that they are approaching an intersection. Modifications/exceptions

may be made in areas of steep slopes. In such cases signage should be considered to alert users to

the intersection.

• Generally, bollards will be located 5 m back from the edge of road or edge of sidewalk. Depending

on the terrain, in some cases bollards may be located further back from the road or chicanes may be

used in place of bollards to slow trail users.

• Bollard placement will be such that they allow for wheelchair and mobility scooter access and standard

child bike trailer (1.3 m maximum width) access.

• Reflective tape will be used on bollards to increase visibility.

• Bollards will be silver or white in colour.

Trail Widening/Use Separation • As use increases widening of the trail surface or separation of trail users should be considered, as per

the strategic policies in this management plan.

• Where regional trails are expected to accommodate significant numbers of in-line skaters or

skateboarders, as well as cyclists and pedestrians, a minimum trail width of 4m should be used.

• If separation of uses is implemented, the ideal design, subject to space and resourcing, would be a

dual direction pedestrian trail with a minimum 2m width, a separation/buffer between it and a

wheeled use trail (cyclists, skateboarders, in-line skaters) of 3-5 m in width.

48

P62

The

signs

based

identifier

Canada's

Appendix 4: Example of Standard

following is provided as an example of standard types

may be added as appropriate without amendment to

on the E&N Rail Trail signage. It should be noted that

incorporated into the signage. Sign sizing will be

Bikeway Traffic Control Guidelines, where appropriate.

Regional Trail Signs

of signage used on regional trails. Additional

the Management Plan. The signs below are

each regional trail will have a separate trail

based on the Transportation Association of

a a g

Sign Type Examples of Signs in this

category

General Use

Regulatory Signs Stop

Yield

Dismount Er Walk

CRD Regulations

To advise trail users of what is legally

required, permitted and/or prohibited on the

trail.

Caution/Warning Signs Share the Road

Stop Ahead

Yield Ahead

Signal Ahead

Concealed Intersection Ahead

Road Crossing Ahead

Railway Crossing

Slippery When Wet

Hill Sign for bicycles

Caution Slow Down or Slow

Narrow structure

To alert trail users to the unusual or

uncommon dangers that may occur along

the trial

Wayfinding Trailhead

Orientation (kiosk)

Trail identifier (logo)

Trail direction (straight, left,

right)

Welcome to Municipality (at

or near municipal boundaries)

Cross at Lights

Trail Ends

Road names

Local connections (adjacent

facilities)

To provide trail users with comfort that they

are on their chosen trail, know where the

trail goes, and when they have reached key

destinations along the trail.

49

Regional Destination Wayfinding

Temporary Signs Work zone Detour Change in Use Pattern

To provide trail users with specific information for a temporary timeframe. May relate to work underway, detours, etc.

50

P64


Staff Report

to




Subject: 2015 Bullfrog Eradication Report— Dr. Stan Orchard, R. P. Bio

-FOR INFORMATION ONLY

Background In 2004, Dr. Stan Orchard made a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Committee regarding the

infiltration of the American Bullfrog into the Capital Regional District and particularly as it pertains to the

potential impact on the watershed supplying the CRD. The City of Langford has been providing on-going

financial support to Dr. Orchard's program and has benefited from his work.

Dr. Orchard submitted his 2015 report, "The Bullfrog Program: A Summary of Results from Within the CRD

Control Corridor/Langford" (Attachment A) in November 2015.

Commentary The report cites that for the first time, the program was able to support the deployment of two (2) full-

time 2-person crews from mid-April to late September. This involved 192 crew nights of fieldwork over

18 priority sites across the CRD/Langford Bullfrog Control Corridor. These in turn were broken into priority

sites, of which those closest to the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area received the highest priority,

decreasing the further the sites were to the GVWSA. Sites where tadpoles were transforming into

juveniles also received priority.

The mild weather of 2015 was very helpful in allowing for more "crew nights" in comparison to 2014. The

challenges of working at a couple of sites include overgrowth (Turner's Bog) and deep mud (Spencer's

Pond) and were the only real hindrances overall.

A total of 5,105 adult and juvenile bullfrogs were captured in the targeted zone. Langford Lake was the

principal source of juveniles followed by Amy's Pond, Florence Lake, Fisher's Pond, Glen Lake, and

Langford Lake Ponds.

One of the most significant factors in the capture of 592 adult females in particular is that this would

account for a conservative estimate of 11,840,000 eggs not making it into the system. Dr. Orchard states

znd Floor • 877 Goldstream Avenue • Langford, BC Canada • VgB 2X8 T • 250-478-7882 F • 250-478-7864 P65


At& Mike Leskiw Michelle Mahovlich, P.Geo., P.Eng. Manager, Parks Department Director of Engineering

Matthew Baldwin, MCIP Director of Planning

at, Jim Owden Administrator

Steve Ternent Director of Finance

2015 Bullfrog Eradication Report Page 12

that, "Shutting down egg production by getting adult females out of the system prior to the spawning season is a vital aspect of controlling bullfrog numbers overall and depressing population numbers rapidly".

Financial Implications On-going financial assistance from the Parks Operational Budget.

Legal Implications None

Options That the Parks, Recreation, Beautification and Culture Committee receive this report as Information Only.

/sel

P66

ATTACHMENT A

Report to CRD Water, CRD Parks, and the City of Langford

for 2015

The Bullfrog Program: A Summary of Results from Within the CRD Control Corridor/Langford

Prepared by: Stan A. Orchard, R. P. Bio.

November 2015

P67

Results

Effort

During the entire spring and summer of 2015, and for the first time, the bullfrog program deployed two

full-time 2-person crews - mid-April to late-September, plus four add-on nights in October (Tables 1 &

5). In total, 192 crew nights of fieldwork were spread over 182 calendar nights at 18 priority sites (lakes

and ponds) arrayed across the CRD/Langford Bullfrog Control Corridor (Tables 1 & 5). Effort was

generally apportioned to each site according to the CRD's 'priority zone' scheme, wherein highest

priority is accorded sites closest to the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area with priority decreasing as

you move further away from the GVWSA (Tables 5 & 6). Additional priority was given to sites where

tadpoles were transforming into juveniles. These are transient events that suddenly inflate numbers

and necessitate a more intensified mopping up process (Graph 2).

In past years, many nights were typically lost to bad weather (wind and rain) in April, May and early

June; however, the spring of 2015 was exceptionally mild. Consequently, far more crew nights were

workable in the spring of 2015 than was the case in 2014 (Table 5).

Site Issues

Turner's Bog becomes more overgrown year by year and has not been workable since 2011. Spencer

Road pond was visited twice this year (Tables 1 & 5) when the water level was high, but by July it had

mostly dried up and the remaining water could not be safely accessed due to an expanse of bottomless

mud and a thick tangle of live and dead willow trees.

Captures

A total of 5,105 adult and juvenile bullfrogs were captured within the CRD Control Corridor/Municipality

of Langford, including 3,699 (72.5%) juveniles, 782 (15.3%) young males, 33 (0.6%) mature males, 561

(11%) young females, and 30 (0.6%) mature females (Table 2 & Graphs 1, 2, & 3). Bullfrogs were most

numerous in Langford Lake with 42.5% (n = 2,167) of all captures followed by Florence Lake with 13.8%

(n = 699) (Table 3a). Fewer were removed from Amy's Pond with 9.6% (n = 488), Glen Lake with 9.3% (n

= 475), and Fisher's Pond with 6.1% (n = 310) (Graphs 1 & 2).

Juveniles accounted for 72.5% of all captures (Graph 3). They were the inevitable consequence of

spawning events that generally occurred two or more years before. In 2015, Langford Lake was the

principal source of juveniles accounting for almost half (48.3%) of all juveniles captured; followed by

Amy's Pond (12.8%), Florence Lake (10.5%), Fisher's Pond (6.5%), Glen Lake (5.7%), and Langford Lake

Ponds (4.4%) (Table 3c). Juveniles collected from all these lakes combined accounted for 83.8% of all

the juveniles captured. Juveniles captured in the remaining lakes and ponds were the result of out-

migration from adjacent source populations.

Total numbers of mature adults (>120 mm) were low region-wide with only 33 males and 30 females

(Table 2). Young adults (80-120 mm) were much more numerous, with 782 males and 561 females

(Table 2) but were concentrated in the three largest lakes, e.g. Langford ((.36 = 217; ?? = 144),

Florence (dd = 189; ?? = 117), and Glen (c3c3 = 140; y y = 119).

P68

In addition to removing adults and juveniles, we also concurrently removed the entire egg complement

of each gravid female we captured. This resulted in the collection of literally millions of eggs before they

could be fertilized. Most of the young adult females (77%) had undeveloped eggs when captured, but

most of these would likely have matured before the end of the summer. A conservative estimate of

combined total egg production potential for all of the 592 adult females is 11,840,000 eggs. The 135

adult females whose eggs were in the latter stages of development, and therefore very close to

spawning when captured, would have collectively carried at least 2,700,000 eggs (Table 3d). Shutting

down egg production by getting adult females out of the system prior to the spawning season is a vital

aspect of controlling bullfrog numbers overall and depressing population numbers rapidly.

INTERPRETATION

Effort

The 2015 bullfrog season was a benchmark in the benefits of deploying two full-time 2-person crews

throughout the entire bullfrog active season. The full impact of this intensification — doubling — of effort

will only be made apparent by repeating the process in 2016 and then comparing those results to 2015.

Graphs 1 & 2 clearly show that our overall impact night by night and site by site was substantial. The

nightly figures from Table 1 demonstrate that numbers were trailing off at virtually all of these sites.

The singular exception was Florence Lake which was worked intensively only until the end of July and

was then put on the back burner while we focussed on driving down numbers in Langford Lake and Glen

Lake (Table 1). It is my intention to spend more nights at Florence Lake in 2016 and distribute those

nights evenly throughout the entire summer.

If the weather patterns for the spring and summer of 2015 are repeated in 2016 then we will once again

be able to work without interruptions due to inclement weather throughout April, May, and June. This

is huge benefit because the water is high and the vegetation is low in the late-spring and early summer.

Which means that visibility and manoeuvrability within the habitat are optimized during this pre-

spawning interval. This may expend nights early in the season and consequently reduce nights later in

the summer, particularly at sites of lower priority, but the net effect is to pre-empt spawning at all of

these sites which is the primary objective.

Captures

It is expected that overall numbers of bullfrogs captured in 2016 will be greatly reduced due to our

success at mopping up all size-classes in 2015 (Tables 3a through 3c). An inordinate amount of time was

spent collecting those briefly abundant juveniles that should be largely absent, or at least greatly

reduced, next year (Table 3c). Consequently, the percentage of juveniles relative to all other size-classes

(Graph 3) will also be substantially reduced in 2016.

The removal of 592 young and mature adult females will have an enormous region-wide impact by

having shut down egg production at most if not all of the main control corridor sites (Table 3d).

Migration Effects

Bullfrogs are highly mobile and are motivated to move for different reasons and at different times

depending upon their gender and size-class coupled with environmental cues such as temperature and

precipitation. For example, juveniles transform from tadpoles throughout the summer but stay at the

P69

natal water body until the first rainfalls that trigger an explosive outward overland migration. In 2015,

there was an unusually long spell of uninterrupted warm dry weather throughout the spring and early

summer that only broke on August 29th and cancelled fieldwork for four nights. Consequently, out-

migrations from Amy's Pond and Langford Lake were launched on the evening of August 29th and the

vanguard of this outward wave was detected first at Humpback Reservoir on September 10th and then at

Irwin Ponds on the 12th and 13th (Table 1). The distances are equivalent between Amy's Pond/Langford

Lake and Irwin Ponds/Humpback Reservoir at 1.2 km (Table 4).

CONCLUSIONS

1. The addition of a second 2-person crew has markedly improved our ability to comprehensively

attend to all of the 18 priority lakes and ponds within the CRD Control Corridor/Municipality of

Langford

2. Unusually mild weather patterns for the late-spring and early summer of 2015 were extremely

beneficial and will hopefully repeat in 2016

3. Turner's Bog is the only one of the 18 core sites that we are currently unable to access.

4. Juvenile bullfrogs should be a much smaller factor in the overall consumption of time and

energy in 2016

5. Based upon the results of 2015, the outlook for 2016 is that most of the control corridor sites

will be relatively easy to keep bullfrog-free while we continue to hit Langford Lake very hard and

refocus on Florence Lake

P70

Table 1. Total Control Corridor Capture Results for 2015 (excluding tadpoles)

SITES VISITS M F 1 TOTALS

2015

NOTES

Amy's Pond April 15 3 1 1 5 14° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond April 28 0 1 o 1 14.9° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond May 13 2 1 10 13 19° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond May 20 0 o 1 1 24.5°C; Crew B

Amy's Pond May 27 1 2 4 7 Crew a/b Amy's Pond June 2 1 0 o 1 20.2° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond June 17 o o 2 2 25.5° C; Crew a/b

Amy's Pond July 1 0 0 3 3 29° C; Crew a/b

Amy's Pond July 11 0 o 49 49 23.9° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond July 15 0 0 o 0 Crew A; Work abandoned due to extremely high gusting

winds

Amy's Pond July 21 0 0 83 83 24.4° C; Crew A Amy's Pond Aug 12 0 0 136 136 25° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond Aug 19 o 2 119 121 24.3° C; Crew A

Amy's Pond Sept 8 0 0 27 27 20.3° C; Crew A Amy's Pond Sept 18 o 1 38 39 18° C; Crew A

7 8 473 488

Colwood Lake April 17 2 1 23 26 15.2° C; Crew A

Colwood Lake April 30 o 0 9 9 16° C; Crew A/B Colwood Lake June 3 4 3 7 14 18.7° C; Crew B

Colwood Lake July 23 32 20 63 115 24.5° C; Crew B

Colwood Lake Aug 25 7 9 57 73 23.8° C; Crew B

45 33 159 237

Fisher's Pond April 18 o 1 o 1 14° C; Crew A Fishers Pond May 8 o 1 1 2 17.2° C; Crew A

Fisher's Pond May 30 0 0 1 1 19.8° C; Crew A

Fisher's Pond June 26 6 4 11 21 Crew A Fisher's Pond July 9 9 8 20 37 24° C., Crew B Fisher's Pond July 18 11 7 49 67 24.8° C; Crew A Fisher's Pond Aug 1 9 4 71 84 22.8° C; Crew A Fisher's Pond Aug 7 1 4 54 59 22.8° C; Crew A Fisher's Pond Aug 23 1 2 35 38 21° C; Crew A/B

37 31 242 310

Florence Lake April 20 6 9 30 45 17° C; Crew B Florence Lake April 26 3 3 28 34 15° C; Crew B Florence Lake April 29 2 1 8 11 15.1° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to bed and breakfast Florence Lake April 29 3 1 11 15 15.1° C; Crew B; Boat launch north to bed and breakfast Florence Lake May 5 2 2 15 19 17° C; Crew A; Boat launch north and around to bed and

breakfast Florence Lake May 5 3 o 22 25 17° C; Crew B; Boat launch south and around to bed and

breakfast Florence Lake May 14 o 1 25 26 19.3° C; Crew A Florence Lake May 14 2 3 23 28 21° C; Crew B Florence Lake May 17 4 8 49 61 20.5° C; Crew B Florence Lake May 21 5 2 53 60 22° C; Crew A Florence Lake May 21 1 3 48 52 23° C; Crew B Florence Lake June 13 27 5 4 36 22.5° C; Crew A Florence Lake June 15 19 7 20 46 25.1° C; Crew B Florence Lake June 30 22 5 7 34 27° C; Crew a/b Florence Lake July 6 24 18 3 45 26° C; Crew A; Boat launch south Florence Lake July 6 31 18 4 53 27° C; Crew B; B & B to trailer park on west side Florence Lake July 29 8 13 17 38 24° C; Crew A; Boat launch north to beach access Florence Lake July 29 28 19 24 71 24.9° C; Crew B; South boardwalk bay to trailer park on west

side

190 118 391 699

P71

Glen Lake April 27 1 1 33 35 14.5° C; Crew B; North side

Glen Lake May 3 2 1 26 29 17° C; Crew B; South side

Glen Lake May 7 1 2 22 25 18.6° C (at launch); Crew A; South side

Glen Lake May 7 3 4 19 26 18° C (at boardwalk); Crew B; North side

Glen Lake May 12 1 1 37 39 19.5° C; Crew B; North side

Glen Lake May 31 8 11 16 35 22.2° C; Crew A; North side

Glen Lake June 4 3 4 4 11 20.5° C; Crew A; North side

Glen Lake June 4 10 11 15 36 19.4° C; Crew B; South side

Glen Lake June 5 6 8 6 20 22° C; Crew A

Glen Lake June 9 12 13 8 33 25° C; Crew B

Glen Lake June 14 14 11 9 34 24° C; Crew B

Glen Lake June 24 5 o o 5 23° C; Crew A

Glen Lake June 24 17 12 3 32 24.3° C; Crew B

Glen Lake June 25 6 2 4 12 24.6° C; Crew A

Glen Lake June 27 5 7 1 13 26.9° C; Crew A

Glen Lake July 5 16 5 2 23 27° C; Crew B

Glen Lake July 13 13 7 1 21 25° C; Crew B

Glen Lake July 26 7 11 0 18 23° C; Crew B; South side boardwalk to launch site

Glen Lake July 28 8 4 o 12 24.2° C; Crew B; North side boardwalk to launch site

Glen Lake Aug 6 3 1 0 4 23° C; Crew A; North side launch site to boardwalk Glen Lake Aug 6 0 0 0 0 23.2° C; Crew B; South side launch site to boardwalk

Glen Lake Aug 18 2 3 0 . 5 23.2° C; Crew A; North side launch site to boardwalk

Glen Lake Aug 18 o 1 0 1 24° C; Crew B; South side launch site to boardwalk Glen Lake Sept 22 2 1 1 4 18.8° C; Crew A

Glen Lake Sept 22 0 0 2 2 18.8° C; Crew B

145 121 209 475

Goudy's Pond April 23 0 1 16 17 13° C; Crew B Goudy's Pond June 6 13 9 43 65 23.2° C; Crew A Goudy's Pond July 2 13 15 18 46 27.2° C; Crew A

Goudy's Pond Aug 4 4 5 13 22 23.2° C; Crew A 30 30 90 150

Humpback Reservoir May 6 1 o 1 2 16° C; Nigel's crew Humpback Reservoir May 11 0 0 3 3 17.5° C; Crew B Humpback Reservoir May 14 0 o o 0 17.5°C; Nigel's crew; spotted one juvenile but unable to catch

it Humpback Reservoir May 18 0 0 1 1 20.5° C; Crew B

Humpback Reservoir May 21 1 o o 1 21° C; Nigel's crew

Humpback Reservoir May 25 o o 0 0 18°C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir May 28 0 0 0 0 21° C; Nigel's crew Humpback Reservoir June 3 o 1 o 1 18.1° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir June 8 0 1 0 1 Nigel's crew

Humpback Reservoir June 12 o o o 0 20.8° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir(ish) June 18 0 0 1 1 Nigel; in temporal pool adjacent to Humpback Reservoir dam

Humpback Reservoir June 23 o 1 o 1 22° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir July 2 o 1 o 1 27° C; Crew B Humpback Reservoir July 9 o o 0 0 24.9° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir July 16 0 0 0 0 22° C; Crew B Humpback Reservoir July 23 0 0 0 0 21° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Aug 5 o o o 0 18° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Aug 13 o 1 o 1 24.8° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Aug 21 o o o 0 22.9° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Aug 27 0 0 0 0 23° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Sept 3 o o 2 2 19.3° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Sept 10 0 o 12 12 22° C; Crew A

Humpback Reservoir Sept 17 0 0 10 10 18.5° C; Crew A

Humpback Reservoir Sept 23 o o 10 10 18.2° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Oct 13 o 0 6 6 16° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Oct 15 0 o 7 7 15.2° C; Crew A Humpback Reservoir Oct 23 o o 2 2 14.2° C; Crew A

P72

2 5 55 62

Irwin Ponds West April 12 o o o 0 Rained out contrary to forecast; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West April 13 0 o 0 0 9° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East April 14 o 1 2 3 10° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East April 21 0 0 3 3 11.9° C; Crew A/B

Irwin Ponds West April 22 0 o 1 1 11.6° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds East May 10 0 1 4 5 15° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West May 13 0 o 0 0 15° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East May 16 0 o 1 1 15.3° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds West May 19 0 o 0 0 19.5° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East May 28 0 0 1 1 Crew a/b

Irwin Ponds West June 2 0 o o 0 17.6° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East June 10 0 1 0 1 20.2° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds West June 19 0 2 o 2 203° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds East June 21 0 0 o 0 21° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West July 7 1 3 0 4 23.2° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds East July 7 o o o 0 24° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West July 12 0 0 0 0 23.9° C; Crew a/b

Irwin Ponds East July 21 o 0 3 3 21° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East July 30 0 o 0 0 24.1°C; Crew a/b

Irwin Ponds West July 31 0 o 0 0 23° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds East Aug 12 1 o 0 1 22.1° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West Aug 16 o o 0 0 21° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East Aug 24 0 0 0 0 19° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West Aug 25 0 0 1 1 20° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds East Sept 2 o o o 0 16.8° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds West Sept 2 o 0 3 3 18° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds West Sept 12 0 o 13 13 19.3° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds East Sept 13 0 0 4 4 18° C; Crew B

Irwin Ponds East Sept 20 1 0 3 4 16° C; Crew A

Irwin Ponds West Sept 20 o o 3 3 18° C; Crew B

3 8 42 53

Japan Gulch Oct 14 0 o o o 13.1° C; Crew A

Lake Ida Anne April 16 3 0 15 18 13°C; Crew B

Lake Ida Anne April 28 2 0 14 16 14°C; Crew B

Lake Ida Anne May 15 3 1 45 49 18° C; Crew A

Lake Ida Anne June 23 30 17 5 52 23.2° C; Crew B

Lake Ida Anne Aug 2 16 6 1 23 24° C; Crew B

Lake Ida Anne Aug 22 3 1 0 4 21.3° C; Crew A

57 25 80 162

Langford Lake April 19 5 6 6 17 15° C; Crew A; North end

Langford Lake April 25 1 3 1 5 13.2° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake May 2 2 3 7 12 15.5° C; Crew A; North end

Langford Lake May 6 o 4 7 11 15.4° C; Crew A; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake May 6 4 4 9 17 17° C; Crew B; George's Bay and north end; 2 hatchling turtles found in two different stomachs

Langford Lake May 9 3 7 16 26 18.1° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake May 12 3 3 4 10 18° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake May 25 2 o 3 5 20° C; Crew B; South bay at boardwalk

Langford Lake June 7 8 4 3 15 23.8° C; Crew B; George's Bay to northeast corner

Langford Lake June 8 9 9 5 23 24° C; Crew A/B; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake June 20 3 1 3 7 22.2° C; Crew A; Boat launch south including swimming beach

Langford Lake June 29 4 2 19 25 25° C; Crew B; Boat launch south to boardwalk and beach

Langford Lake July 8 12 4 14 30 23.8° C; Crew A; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake July 8 19 7 38 64 26° C; Crew B; North end

Langford Lake July 14 10 4 25 39 24° C; Crew A; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake July 14 11 3 10 24 25° C; Crew B; North end

Langford Lake July 19 9 6 25 40 27° C; Crew B; George's Bay

P73

Langford Lake July 22 8 6 53 67 23° C; Crew A; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake July 22 3 4 28 35 242° C; Crew B; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake July 25 14 10 121 145 22.1° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake July 28 9 5 68 82 23° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake Aug 8 6 5 122 133 23.8° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake Aug 9 5 5 135 145 23.5° C; Crew B; George's Bay

Langford Lake Aug 11 18 7 113 138 24° C; Crew A; North end from houses on far side to beach on

west side

Langford Lake Aug 11 15 8 147 170 24.5° C; Crew B; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake Aug 15 1 4 61 66 22° C; Crew A; South end swimming beach/boardwalk bay; wasp attack, nest in bird box

Langford Lake Aug 17 2 1 34 37 23° C; Crew B; South end swimming beach/boardwalk bay

Langford Lake Aug 26 8 3 135 146 22.3° C; Crew A; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake Aug 26 11 11 183 205 23° C; Crew B; George's Bay

Langford Lake Aug 27 16 4 207 227 23.1° C; Crew B; Boat launch to north end Langford Lake Sept 6 7 5 79 91 20° C; Crew B; Boat launch to north end

Langford Lake Sept 7 1 2 63 66 21° C; Crew B; Boat launch south to boardwalk bay

Langford Lake Sept 23 1 2 41 44 19° C; Crew B; Boat launch to north end

230 152 1785 2167

Langford Lake Ponds April 15 o 1 8 9 14° C; Crew B

Langford Lake Ponds May 1 o 0 18 18 West (17.8° C); East (16.2°C); Crew A

Langford Lake Ponds May 24 5 7 4 16 West (21°C); East (21°C); Crew B Langford Lake Ponds June 10 5 5 1 11 25° C; Crew B Langford Lake Ponds July 10 11 13 10 34 25° C; Crew A Langford Lake Ponds July 27 5 6 34 45 22° C; Crew B

Langford Lake Ponds Aug 10 4 7 63 74 25° C; Crew B Langford Lake Ponds Aug 28 o o o 0 Crew A; Contrary to forecast rain began as we were about to

launch boat Langford Lake Ponds Sept 4 3 5 15 23 18° C; Crew A Langford Lake Ponds Sept 21 0 0 11 11 18.5° C; Crew B

33 44 164 241

Spencer Road Pond April 22 2 1 2 5 15° C; Crew B Spencer Road Pond June 28 16 5 2 23 25° C; Crew B

18 6 4 28

Westhills Playground Pond April 14 o 1 o 1 13° C; Crew A

Westhills Playground Pond May4 o o 1 1 17° C; Crew B Westhills Playground Pond May 26 4 4 o 8 21.5° C; Crew a/b Westhills Playground Pond May 29 o 1 0 1 23° C; Crew A Westhills Playground Pond June 16 o o 0 0 Crew a/b Westhills Playground Pond June 25 5 3 6 14 25.1° C; Crew B Westhills Playground Pond July 15 o o o 0 Crew B; Work on the water abandoned due to extremely high

gusting winds; counted 4 bullfrogs Westhills Playground Pond July 17 4 o o 4 Crew A Westhills Playground Pond Aug 4 1 o 1 2 23° C; Crew B Westhills Playground Pond Aug 19 o o o 0 24°C; Crew B Westhills Playground Pond Sept 3 0 0 0 0 18° C; Crew B Westhills Playground Pond Sept 14 o 1 1 2 19° C; Crew B

14 10 9 33

YMCA Pond April 23 0 0 0 0 Crew A; Walked around and had thorough look at margin; Pond apparently dried up by May 29th.

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Table 2. Total Capture Results Per Month by Size-class

Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals %

Juveniles (<80 mm) 211 496 189 762 1688 338 15 3699 72.5 Young Males (80-120 mm) 33 59 238 307 129 16 0 782 15.3 Mature Males (>120 mm) 0 4 12 12 5 0 0 33 0.6 Young Females (80-120 mm) 32 76 148 201 88 16 0 561 11.0 Mature Females (>120 mm) 1 2 5 16 6 0 0 30 0.6

Totals 277 637 592 1298 1916 370 15 5105 100 Percentage of Total (%) 5.4 12.5 11.6 25.4 37.5 7.2 0.3

Table 3a. Capture Results Per Site by Month

Control Corridor Sites Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals % Amy's Pond 6 21 3 135 257 66 0 488 9.6 Colwood Lake 35 0 14 115 73 0 0 237 4.6 Fisher's Pond 1 3 21 104 181 0 0 310 6.1 Florence Lake 105 271 116 207 0 0 0 699 13.8 Glen Lake 35 154 196 74 10 6 0 475 9.3 Goudy's Pond 17 0 65 46 22 0 0 150 2.9 Humpback Reservoir 0 7 4 1 1 34 15 62 1.2 Irwin Pond West 1 0 2 4 1 19 0 27 0.5 Irwin Pond East 6 7 1 3 1 8 0 26 0.5 Lake Ida Anne 34 49 52 0 27 0 0 162 3.2 Langford Lake 22 81 70 526 1267 201 0 2167 42.5 Langford Lake Ponds 9 34 11 79 74 34 0 241 4.7 Spencer Road Pond 5 0 23 0 0 0 0 28 0.5 Westhills Playground Pond 1 10 14 4 2 2 0 33 0.6 YMCA Pond 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals 277 637 592 1298 1916 370 15 5105 100

Table 3b. Capture Results by Site by Month Excluding Juveniles

Control Corridor Sites Size-class/Gender Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Amy's Pond Young Male (80-120 mm) 3 33 0 0 0 1 - 7

Mature Male (>120 mm) 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 1

Young Female (80-120 mm) 2 3 0 0 1 0 - 6 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o o o 1 o - 1

colwood Lake Young Male (80-120 mm) 2 o 3 32 7 - - 44 Mature Male (>120 mm) o o 1 o o - - 1

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 o 3 20 8 - - 32 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o o o 1 - - 1

Fisher's Pond Young Male (80-120 mm) o o 4 20 11 - - 35 Mature Male (>120 mm) o o 2 o o - - 2

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 1 2 8 9 - - 21 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o 2 6 1 - - 9

Florence Lake Young Male (80-120 mm) 14 17 67 91 - - - 189 Mature Male (>120 mm) 0 0 1 0 - - - 1

Young Female (80-120 mm) 14 20 17 66 - - - 117 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o o 2 - - - 2

Glen Lake Young Male (80-120 mm) 1 14 75 43 5 2 - 140 Mature Male (>120 mm) o 1 3 1 0 0 - 5

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 19 66 27 5 1 - 119 Mature Female (>120 mm) 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 2

Goudy's Pond Young Male (80-120 mm) o o 11 13 2 - - 26 Mature Male (>120 mm) o o 2 o 2 - - 4

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 o 9 15 4 - - 29 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o o o 1 - - 1

Humpback Reservoir Young Male (80-120 mm) o 2 o o o o o 2 Mature Male (>120 mm) o o o o o o o o

Young Female (80-120 mm) 0 o 4 1 1 o o 6 Mature Female (>120 mm) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Irwin Pond West Young Male (80-120 mm) 0 o o 1 o o - 1 Mature Male (>120 mm) o o o o o o - o

Young Female (80-120 mm) o 0 2 2 0 o - 4 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o o 1 o o - 1

Irwin Pond East Young Male (80-120 mm) o o o 3 1 1 - 5 Mature Male (>120 mm) 0 0 o o o o - o

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 1 1 0 0 0 - 3 Mature Female (>120 mm) o 0 o o o o - o

Lake Ida Anne Young Male (80-120 mm) 5 3 28 - 17 - - 53 Mature Male (>120 mm) o o 2 - 2 - - 2

Young Female (80-120 mm) o 1 16 - 7 - - 24 Mature Female (>120 mm) o o 1 - o - - 1

Langford Lake Young Male (80-120 mm) 6 13 24 84 81 9 - 217 Mature Male (>120 mm) o 1 o 11 1 o - 13

Young Female (80-120 mm) 8 20 16 45 46 9 - 144 Mature Female (>120 mm) 1 1 o 4 2 0 - 8

Langford Lake Ponds Young Male (80-120 mm) 0 5 5 16 4 3 - 33 Mature Male (>120 mm) o a o o o o - o

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 7 5 16 7 5 - 41

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Control Corridor Sites Size-class/Gender Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Mature Female (>120 mm) 0 0 0 3 0 , 0 - 3

Spencer Road Pond Young Male (80-120 mm) 2 - 16 - - - - 18 Mature Male (>120 mm) 0 - 0 - - - - 13

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 _ 5 - - - - 5 Mature Female (>120 mm) 0 - 0 - - - - 0

Westhills Playground Young Male (80-120 mm) 0 2 9 0 1 0 - 12 Mature Male (>120 mm) 0 2 0 0 0 0 - 2

Young Female (80-120 mm) 1 4 3 0 1 0 - 9 Mature Female (>120 mm) 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 1

YMCA Pond Young Male (80-120 mm) 0 - - - - - - 0

Mature Male (>120 mm) 0 - _ - - - - - 0

Young Female (80-120 mm) 0 - - - - - - 0

Mature Female (>120 mm) 0 - - - - - - 0

Totals 66 142 403 536 228 32 0 3194

Table 3c. Capture Results by Site by Month - Juveniles Only

Control Corridor Sites Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals %

Amy's Pond 1 15 2 135 255 65 - 473 12.8

Colwood Lake 32 - 7 63 57 - - 159 4.3

Fisher's Pond - 2 11 69 160 - - 242 6.5

Florence Lake 77 234 31 48 - - - 390 10.5

Glen Lake 33 120 50 3 - 3 - 209 5.7

Goudy's Pond 16 - 43 18 13 - - 90 2.4

Humpback Reservoir 0 5 1 0 0 34 15 55 1.5

Irwin Pond West 1 0 0 0 1 19 - 21 0.6

Irwin Pond East 5 6 0 0 0 7 - 18 0.5

Lake Ida Anne 29 45 5 - 1 - - 80 2.2

Langford Lake 7 46 30 382 1137 183 - 1785 48.3 Langford Lake Ponds 8 22 1 44 63 26 - 164 4.4

Spencer Road Pond 2 - 2 - - - - 4 0.1

Westhills Playground Pond 0 1 6 0 1 1 9 0.2

YMCA Pond 0 - - - - - - 0 0 Totals 211 496 189 762 1688 338 15 3699 100

Percentage of Total (%) 5.7 13.4 5.1 20.6 45.6 9.2 0.4 100

P77

Table 3d. Egg-bearing Females Caught in 2015 With Estimates of Neutralized Potential Egg Productivity

Body Length (mm)

Eggs Undeveloped

Eggs Developing/Mature

Totals Potential Egg Production

For All Adult Females Collected In 2015

Estimate of Developing/Mature

Eggs Collected In 2015

80-90 262 (99%) 3 (1%) 265 5,300,000 60,000 90-100 148 (87%) 23 (13%) 171 3,420,000 460,000

100-110 35 (36%) 61 (64%) 96 1,920,000 1,220,000 110-120 10 (34%) 20 (66%) 30 600,000 400,000 120-130 2 (11%) 16 (89%) 18 360,000 320,000 130-140 0 7 (100%) 7 140,000 140,000 140-150 0 3 (100%) 3 60,000 60,000 150-160 0 2 (100%) 2 40,000 40,000

Totals 457 (77%) 135 (23%) 592 11,840,000 2,700,000

P78

Table 4. Minimum Distances Between Designated Priority Sites Within the Control Corridor

Closest Shore to Shore Straight-line Distance

Between Corridor Sites (km)

Am

ys P

ond

CoI

woo

d G

olf

Cou

rse

Pon

d

Col

wo

od L

ake

Fis h

ers

Pon

d

Flo

ren

ce L

ake

Gle

n L

a ke

Gou

dys

Pon

d

Hat

ley

Par

k C

e met

ary

Pon

d

Hu

mp

bac

k R

eser

voi

r

Lak

e I d

a A

nn

e

Irw

in P

ond

s E

ast

Irw

in P

ond

s W

est

Lan

gfor

d L

ake

Po n

ds

Eas

t

Lan

gfor

d L

ake

Pon

ds

Wes

t

Lan

gfor

d L

ake

Sp

ence

r R

oad

Pon

d

Tu

rner

s B

og

Wes

thil

ls P

layg

rou

nd

Pon

d

Amy's Pond

Co[wood Golf Course Pond 5.4

Co!wood Lake 4.5 0.5

Fisher's Pond 2.7 3.9 3.1

Florence Lake 2.2 3.2 2.3 2.6

Glen Lake 2.3 3.1 2.3 0.4 2.1

Goudy's Pond 2.0 4.3 3.6 3,5 0.7 2.9

Hatley Park Cemetary Pond 4.3 1.1 0.4 2,8 2.4 2.0 3.7

Humpback Reservoir 1.2 5.9 5.0 2.3 3.2 2.3 3.2 4.8

Lake Ida Anne 3.0 3.5 2.8 3.8 0.9 3.3 1.2 3.1 4.2

Irwin Pond East 1.6 4.7 3,8 1.1 2.6 1.1 3.0 3.6 1.2 3.7

Irwin Pond West 1.5 4.8 3.9 1.2 2.6 1.2 3.0 3.7 1.0 3.7 0.05

Langford Lake Ponds East 2.0 3.6 2.7 0.9 1.7 0.3 2.5 2.5 2.3 2.9 1.1 1.1

Langford Lake Ponds West 2.0 3.7 2.7 0.9 1.7 0.3 2.5 2.6 2.2 3.7 1.1 1.2 0.03

Langford Lake 0.6 3.4 2,6 1.0 1.2 0.5 1.7 2.4 1.2 2.4 0.8 0.8 0.2 0.1

Spencer Road Pond 2.3 3.0 2.1 2.4 0.4 1.8 1.5 2.1 3.2 1.4 2.4 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.0

Turner's Bog 0.2 5.0 4.2 2.3 2.1 2.0 1,9 4.1 1.1 3.0 1.3 1.2 1.7 1.7 0.2 2.2

Westhills Playground Pond 1.8 4.3 3.4 0.8 2.3 0.7 2.9 3.2 1,6 3.5 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.6 2.1 1.5

Table 5. Crew nights per site apportioned according to CRD's 2014 Control Corridor Priority Zones. Columns compare number of crew nights per site per month worked in 2014 (bracketed) with total nights worked in 2015.

Priority 1 Zone Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Amy's Pond (1) 2 (0) 3 (4) 2 (1) 4 (2) 2 (3) 2 (1) 0 (12) 15 Irwin Pond West (1) 3 (2) 2 (3) 2 (3) 3 (3) 2 (2) 3 (2) 0 (16) 15

Irwin Pond East (1) 2 (2) 3 (2) 2 (3) 3 (3) 2 (3) 3 (1) 0 (15) 15

Humpback Reservoir (4 additional nights by CRD staff) (1) 0 (1) 3 (3) 3 (4) 4 (3) 4 (2) 4 (0) 3 (14) 21 Westhills Playground Ponds (1) 1 (0) 3 (1) 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (2) 2 (0) 0 (8) 12

Totals (5) 8 (5) 14 (5) 11 (13) 16 (13) 12 (12) 14 (4) 3 (65) 78

Priority 2 Zone Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Langford Lake (0) 2 (0) 6 (1) 4 (4) 9 (14) 9 (3) 3 (4) 0 (25) 33 Langford Lake Ponds (east and west) (0) 1 (1) 2 (1) 1 (2) 2 (1) 2 (2) 2 (1) 0 (6) 10 Turner's Bog (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) o

YMCA Pond (0) 1 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 1 Totals (0) 5 (2) 8 (2) 5 (6) 1 (15) 11 (5) 5 (5) 0 (31) 44

Priority 3 Zone Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Fisher's Pond (0) 1 (0) 2 (1) 1 (2) 2 (2) 3 (3) 0 (1) 0 (9) 9 Florence Lake (0) 4 (1) 7 (0) 3 (1) 4 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (2) 18 Glen Lake (0) 1 (0) 5 (9) 9 (15) 4 (4) 4 (10) 2 (1) 0 (39) 25 Spencer Road Pond (0) 1 (1) 0 (0) 1 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (1) 2

Totals (0) 7 (2) 14 (10) 14 (18) 10 (4) 7 (13) 2 (2) 0 (51) 54

Priority 4 Zone Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Totals Colwood Golf Course Pond (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0 Colwood Lake (0) 2 (0) 0 (0) 1 (5) 1 (0) 1 (1) 0 (1) 0 (7) 5 Goudy's Pond (0) 1 (1) 0 (1) 1 (1) 1 (0) 1 (1) 0 (0) 0 (4) 4

Hatley Park Cemetary Pond (0) 0 (1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (1) 0

Lake Ida Anne (0) 2 (1) 1 (0) 1 (1) 0 (0) 2 (1) 0 (1) 0 (4) 6

Totals (0) 5 (3) 1 (1) 3 (8) 2 (0) 4 (3) 0 (2) 0 (17) 15

Fieldwork within Corridor by month and totals Total crew nights: (2014) 2015

[See below re "+4"]

(5) 25 (12) 37 (26) 33 (45) 39 (32) 34 (33) 21 (13) 3 (170) 188 [+ 4 = 192]

Calendar nights worked between Apr 12 and Sept 23; [plus 4 add-on nights, Oct 13, 15, and 23 at Humpback

Reservoir and Oct 14 at Japan Gulch]

18 of 19 29 of 31 27 of 30 26 of 31 26 of 31 16 of 30 3 of 10 145 of 178 [+4 = 182]

Table 6. Crew Nights per Priority Zone and as a Percentage of Overall Effort Apportioned By Zone

Priority Zone #1 #2 #3 #4 Total # of Nights per Zone in 2015 79 44 54 15 192 % of Total Nights per Zone 41% 23% 28% 8% 100%

Graph 1. Sites Comparison for 2015 Capture Results - excluding juveniles

'ond

Lake

'ond 1 .

Lake -111

Lake

'ond

rvoir

knne

East

Nest-! Lake -

ends

3ond -E.

3ond

'

III „ ,

Li I

li

Ainst_i

0 50 100 150 200 250

Amy's

CoIwood

Fisher's

Florence

Glen

Goudy's

Humpback Rese

Lake Ida

Irwin Ponds

Irwin Ponds

Langford

Langford Lake P

Spencer Road

Westhills Playground

II Mature Females (>120 mm) I I Mature Males (>120 mm) II Young Females (80-120 mm) Young Males (80-120 mm)

Graph 2. Sites Comparison for 2015 -juveniles only

Amy's Pond -

Colwood Lake -

Fisher's Pond -

Florence Lake -

Glen Lake -

Goudy's Pond -

Humpback Reservoir

Lake Ida Anne -

Irwin Ponds East -1

Irwin Ponds West -1

Langford Lake -

Langford Lake Ponds -

Spencer Road Pond 71

Westhills Playground Pond -1

0 500 1000 1500 2000

[Ti Juveniles

P81

Graph 3. Breakdown by Percentage of All Size-classes Region-wide

[1] Young Males (80-120 mm) • Mature Males (>120 mm) Young Females (80-120 mm) El Mature Females (>120 mm) 111 Juveniles (<80 mm)


Staff Report

to




Subject: 20160125 Regional Parks 2014 Annual Report

-For Information Only

Background A copy of the Regional Parks 2014 Annual Report was submitted by the CRD in November of 2015. (Attachment A)

Commentary The report provides an overview of it size, scope, projects and mandate for the Capital Regional District

parkland and trails. It notes the Strategic Priorities going forward which includes a long-term and short-

term (2012-2016) vision.

It contains the classifications and descriptions of the regional parks, various management plans for specific

projects, and the operation plans for the areas of responsibility that the CRD manages.

Financial Implications This is a report for information only

Legal Implications This is a report for information only

Options

That the Parks, Recreation, Beautification and Culture Committee receive this report for information only.

2nd Floor • 877 Goldstream Avenue • Langford, BC Canada • V9B 2X8 T• 250-478-7882 F 250-478-7864 P83


P84

!rector of Planning Director of Engineering

Steve Ternent Director of Finance

Michelle Mahovlich, P.Geo., P.E tthew Baldwin, MCIP RPP ‘— \._

Mike Leskiw; Manager of Parks

inji`Liowclen Administrator

Making a difference together

ATTACHMENT 1

Re

Erks 2014 Annual Report ci a

Capital Regional District I Parks and Environmental Services

Message from the Chair

2014 was another incredible year for Regional Parks. The Brooks Point Regional Park Management Plan was updated in collaboration with an advisory group, which provided a conservation-oriented vision for the future of the Pender Island park, reinforcing that the protection of natural areas is a key priority.

This past year also saw Regional Parks embark upon the Sign Strategy. The Strategy is a tremendous undertaking that will see upgraded directional and regulatory signage installed at all the parks and trails over the next few years.

In addition, Regional Parks remediated the former shooting range known as the pistol range at Thetis Lake Regional Park. The goal was to clean up the site and retain it as parkland. The site now has no associated unacceptable risks for human health or the environment and the remediation was completed on time and within budget.

Staff have made significant progress in planning for and expanding the Regional Trails system. Construction continued on Phase 1 and 2 of our newest addition to the re-gional trail system, the EaN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector. Public engagement took place for the Regional Trails Management Plan, which will guide decision-making, priority setting, and budget planning for the next 10 years. As well, preliminary con-ceptual planning for walking and cycling trails on Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands began.

I would like, on behalf of the Regional Parks Committee, to express our sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers and stakeholders whose efforts have helped us move forward in providing opportunities for park visitors to connect with nature and the outdoors, and who provide stewardship and protection of natural areas for the enjoyment of future generations. Together with my fellow committee members, I look forward to next year, and to collaborating with Regional Parks' management and staff on many more exciting projects.

Sincerely,

Susan Brice

Chair, Regional Parks Committee -0 co cy)

Regional Parks 2014 Annual Report

2014 Regional Parks Committee

Susan Brice (Chair)

Ted Daly (Vice Chair)

Mike Hicks

Dave Howe

Ben lsitt

Jane Mendum

Lanny Seaton

Leif Wergeland

Alastair Bryson (Board Chair, ex officio)

Acknowledgement

CRD Regional Parks would like to acknowledge that the park

system is within the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth

and Coast Salish people.

©2015 Capital Regional District

Contents

Message from the Chair 2

2014 Regional Parks Committee 2

Acknowledgement 2

About CRD Regional Parks 4 Introduction 4 Who We Are 4 Value of Regional Parks and Trails 4

Strategic Priorities 5

Regional Parks and Trails Map 6

Regional Park Classifications Description 7

Planning, Resource Management and Development 8

Land Acquisition Fund 8 Management Planning 8 Geographical Information Systems 9 Facility and Amenities Planning 9 Resource Conservation Program 11

Parks Operations 12 Regional Trails 12 Regional Parks 13 Southern Gulf Islands Area 14 Regional Parks Fire Suppression Program 15 Bylaw Enforcement Program 15

Visitor Services and Community Development 16 Environmental Interpretation Services 17 Partnerships and Legacy Programs 18 Volunteers in Parks Program 19 Communications and Creative Services 20 Headquarters and Administrative Services 20

Links Appendix 21


About CRD Regional Parks

Introduction

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the re-gional government for the 13 municipalities and 3 electoral districts that are located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Since 1966, Regional Parks has been one of the regional services provided by the CRD.

Value of Regional Parks and Trails

Contributes to regional sustainability

• Protects our natural world

• Builds healthy communities

• Contributes to regional economy

• Reflects local culture

Western Pointed Turtle

Who We Are

CRD Regional Parks protects and manages more than 13,000 hectares of spectacular and easily accessible natural areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Regional Parks and Trails consists of 30 parks and reserves and 3 regional trails. The regional parks and trails network is part of a spectrum of parks and protected areas located across the region, which serve a range of recreational, ecological, green space and amenity purposes. The trails serve both a transportation and recreation function.

CRD Regional Parks staff prepare plans and manage natural and cultural resources and infrastructure. Staff collaborate and consult with various partners to implement the CRD's strategic priorities, park and trail management plans, and service plans; to oversee land acquisitions; and to undertake scientific and technical work related to environmental management, conservation and restoration. CRD Regional Parks provides volunteer opportunities and provides free and low-cost information and education services to communities, including school field trips, public

programs, and community events.


Strategic Priorities

The Regional Parks Strategic Plan 2012-21 helps set direction for regional parks and trails. It includes a long-term vision and mission as well as short-term (2012-16) strategic priorities and actions.

The strategic priorities are:

• Strengthen the management of existing parks and trails.

• Strategically plan for and open existing land-banked parks and trails as resources are approved.

• Strengthen community involvement and partnership.

• Prepare for future land acquisitions.

• Promote the health benefits of regional parks and trails.

• Engage in planning for regional sustainability.

Brooks Point Regional Pork


Regional Park

Lake / Reservoir

First Nation Reserve

Regional Trail (Complete)

Regional Trail (Proposed)

- - - Regional District Boundary

Municipal Area Boundary

_ j 1-1

Gallano Island

20

C:;e1

Mayne Island

M23

South" M 4 Pander Island

North Pender Island

Satuma Island 7 •I

if

s, 21

!Alz• 4

Page 6


33 Regional Parks

13,000 Hectares

214 km of Designated Trails in Parks

88 km of Regional Trails

6,338,941 Visits in 2014

•N , ...

i Salt Spring "... \ Island

. ....\ ,

% • \Electoral Area •.,

) I s

1 .1. t

..

L


Juan de Fuca Electoral Area

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L 2 " 31 ) 1

ll

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1 ‘) • , •

Regional Parks 1. Albert Head Lagoon 2. Ayum Creek Park Reserve 3. Bear Hill 4. Brooks Point S. Coles Bay 6. Devonian 7. East Point Park Reserve 8. East Sooke 9. Elk/Beaver Lake

10. Francis/King 11. Galloping Goose Trail 12. Gonzales Hill 13. Horth Hill 14. Island View Beach 15. Jordan River

(Sandcut Beach) 16. Kapoor Park Reserve 17. Lochside Trail

18. Lone Tree Hill 27. Sea to Sea Park Reserve 19. Matheson Lake 28. Sooke Hills Wilderness 20. Matthews Point Park Reserve Park Reserve 21. Mill Farm Park Reserve 29. sooke Potholes

30. Thetis Lake 31. Trans Canada Trail 32. Witty's Lagoon 33. E & N Rail Trail - Humpback

Connector • Temporary Name

22. Mill Hill 23. Mount Parke 24. Mount Wells 25. Mount work 26. Roche Cove

Juan de Fuca Strait

Juan de Fuca

Electoral Area

LI

Hare Strait

-Sidney l.

Searctr".5 in et -

/)

Juan de I

Fuca

Electoral • 47), Central - Area / saanich

• •


Regional Parks and Trails

CILID 2111,,,/,

0 2 4 8 12 1:425,000 Kilometres

Projection: Universal Transverse Mercator. Zone 10, North, North American Datum.

sv

DISCLAIMER

This map is for general information purposes only and may contain inaccuracies.

April 2014 I RP_Parks_Trails_OvervIew_8.5x11_CLR_AnnualReport.mxd I [email protected]

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Regional Park Classifications Description

WILDERNESS AREA

A Regional Wilderness Area is char-acterized by:

• a large land base, generally more than 1,000 hectares;

• the conservation of ecosystems, with minimal human interference;

• opportunities for visitors to ex-perience, firsthand, the park's ecosystems;

• opportunities for backcountry recreation

• the provision of few, if any, rudi-mentary services and facilities; and

• the experience of remoteness, solitude and harmony with nature.

Maintaining wilderness areas in the region is an important part of the Regional Parks function. Wilderness is critical to sustain wildlife and plants that rely on sizable natu-ral areas for their survival and to provide wilderness outdoor experi-ences and activities. They are places where residents can experience wilderness close to their home. East Sooke, Sea to Sea Green Blue Belt and Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Parks are the sole examples of Regional Wilderness Areas in the Capital Region.

CONSERVATION AREA

A Regional Conservation Area pro-tects regionally significant natural environments that contain sensitive and threatened ecosystems (e.g., they will have significant Garry oak, old-growth forest, salt marsh, or estuary ecosystems). They con-tain rare or endangered plant and wildlife species and their supporting ecosystems. The size of a Regional Conservation Area should be suffi-cient to ensure that natural features can be protected and remain viable over the long-term.

Outdoor activities will be permitted in a Regional Conservation Area, provided they have minimal im-pact on the natural environment. In most cases, the main activity will be hiking.

These areas will generally have basic facilities, such as trails, parking areas, toilets and signage.

Examples of a Regional Conservation Area are Witty's Lagoon, Mill Hill, Francis/King, Matthews Point and Island View Beach Regional Parks.

NATURAL AREA

A Regional Natural Area protects the natural environment and pro-vides opportunities for a range of appropriate outdoor experiences and activities. These natural areas are not as ecologically sensitive or diverse as those found in a Regional Conservation Area, although they may contain some sensitive and threatened ecosystems. These ecosystems will be identified in the park management plan, and conservation will be the priority in those areas. Regional Natural Areas also protect key green spaces that are important to the natural charac-ter of the region.

These areas will try to accommo-date a range of appropriate outdoor experiences and activities. The exact uses will be outlined in the park management plan.

Examples of a Regional Natural Area are Mount Parke, Coles Bay and North Hill Regional Parks.

RECREATION AREA

A Regional Recreation Area provides opportunities for many outdoor experiences, activities and events, and will be managed to accommo-date a relatively high number of visitors. Facilities will be developed to support this level of use. The area must lend itself to development for a variety of uses that meet recre-ational needs, and it must be able to withstand intensive public use.

This classification is distinct from other parks classifications in a num-ber of ways:

• The emphasis is on outdoor experi-ences and activities, although pro-tecting the natural environment will be addressed in all decision-making about visitor use and facilities.

• The range of acceptable recreational activities in these areas will be the widest within the regional parks and trails system.

• Recreation activities may include competitive sports.

• Recreation facilities operated by non-profit groups may be permitted.

• Opportunities and facilities may be provided for group celebrations such as festivals and picnics.

Elk/Beaver Lake is the only regional park in this classification.


Planning, Resource Management and Development

In consultation and collaboration with partners and stakeholders, CRD Regional Parks oversees land acquisitions, environmental management, conservation and restoration, planning and managing natural and cultural resources and infrastructure.

Land Acquisition Fund The lands acquired for regional parks and trails through the Land Acquisition Fund continue to contribute significantly to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the region. The fund was established in 2000 for a ten-year period at a rate of $10 per average residential household assessment. In 2010, the fund was extended for another ten years at a rate of $12 per average residential household assessment, increasing by $2 per year to a maximum of $20 in 2014, and then remaining at this rate until 2019. Revenues in 2014 were $3,805,155.

Management Planning Brooks Point Regional Park Management Plan In December 2014, the CRD Board approved the Brooks Point Regional Park Management Plan. The plan was developed with the assistance of a Management Plan Advisory Group (MPAG), which consisted of representatives from the following groups:

• The Nature Conservancy of Canada

• The Islands Trust Fund

• Habitat Acquisition Trust

• Friends of Brooks Point

• The Pender Island Conservancy Association

• A representative of the Brooks Family

• A member-at-large

The 2014 park management plan articulates a conservation-oriented vision for the future of the park. The plan describes the broad goals, objectives, and actions needed to fulfill this vision in a manner consistent with CRD's poli-cies and the registered conservation covenants on the park. The six-hectare Brooks Point Regional Park, located on South Pender Island, is noted for its rare coastal bluff ecosystems, mature forests, rare and endangered plant and animal species, expansive vistas facing Boundary Pass, and its spectacular spring chocolate lily wildflower displays.

Chocolate lilies and camas at Brooks Point Regional Pork

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Geographical Information Systems The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) program provides core GIS services to all Regional Park service areas. GIS is utilized in the operation of the regional parks and trails sys-tem, is an integral component of planning and resource management projects, and supports a range of public mapping products. In 2014, the GIS program focused on improving the quality of spatial data and on improving cartographic processes to ensure standard, consistent public mapping products.

2014 Accomplishments:

Provided current scientific spatial information about the natural environment for Step 1 of the Island View Beach Regional Park man-agement plan public participation process

Completed mapping products for the Brooks Point Management Plan and the Southern Gulf Islands Cycling and Pedestrian draft Trail Plan

Provided GIS support and mapping products outlining Regional Trail licence agreements

• Delivered GIS support for the sign imple-mentation project

• Verified trail and amenity spatial data and improved the public mapping products for 5 Regional Parks — Francis/King, Coles Bay, North Hill, Mount Parke, and Witty's Lagoon

• Initiated the CRD asset management program at Regional Parks

• Participated in the CRD Enterprise GIS system upgraded to ArcGIS 10.2

The Regional Trails Management Plan

This project was initiated in early 2014 with the intent of developing a plan that sets pol-icy direction and key actions for the manage-ment of regional trails generally and for the three existing regional trails (Galloping Goose, Lochside, and EaN Rail Trail — Humpback Connector).

A participation process was undertaken be-tween June and September 2014 to gather ideas from the public and interested First Nations with lands along the regional trails. This process garnered nearly 1,400 sug-gestions and comments regarding a vision for regional trails, management principles, management issues and potential actions for the regional trails. A working group, of mu-nicipal staff, was also established to provide assistance and advice. Work on the RTMP will continue in 2015.

EErN Rail Trail - Humpback Connector

Phase 2 of the EErN Rail Trail

This was initiated in 2014, and involves the development of 2.2 km of new trail between Island Highway 4 Mile Bridge and Island Highway/Burnside Road West, in the Town of View Royal.

This section of trail will be completed in 2015.

Facility and Amenities Planning Parks facility planning coordinates the building of new and maintenance of existing structural assets and defines best approaches to manage these assets, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Working to an annual CRD Board approved capital plan, projects are planned and executed in an orderly fashion. New and existing facility improvements are scheduled in a 5-year capital plan with adjustments made as funding becomes available, or as new projects require consideration.

E&N Roil Troll-Humpback Connector Phase 2 construction


Remediation of the Former Pistol Range Site In 2014, the Capital Regional District completed remediation of the former pistol range at Thetis Lake Regional Park. The site was used for over one hundred years as a firing range by various police forces, security companies and gun clubs. In 1994, the site was transferred to the CRD as part of Thetis Lake Regional Park, and in 1999, all pistol and gun club activities ceased. The site was deemed contaminated under provincial legislation and required remediation. In 2002, the CRD Board committed to clean up the former pistol range site and return it to naturalized park-land. In July 2013, the CRD Board approved the remediation project. The CRD and its consultant, SNC-Lavalin, completed the remediation in 2014. The work involved excavating shallow surface soils, dismantling the soil berms and removing contaminated soil from the 0.75-hectare site. Following excavation, SNC-Lavalin prepared a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, which concluded that there were no unaccept-able risks associated with current site conditions.

Total project funding $787,330

Cost of remediation $709,700

site restoration phase Balance reserved for the

$40,094

Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park Dam Outlet Upgrade For almost 25 years, under a water licence with the Province of British Columbia, the CRD has released water in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park through a weir into the main outflow at Colquitz River. This release of water into the Colquitz River has helped to maintain fish habitat during summer months and controlled water flow in winter months. The responsibility for the dam rests with the CRD, and to meet new dam safety requirements, the weir struc-ture was upgraded to a new concrete dam, which was completed in October 2014.

The upgraded dam provides a fish-friendly

Dam updgrade at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

spillway and finer control of water outflow, which will contribute to enhanced fish habitat in the Colquitz River. Construction of the new dam included the installation of a separated pedestrian bridge, which permits uninterrupted use of the 10km running route around the lake along the shoreline trail.

Year Internal Funding

External Funding

Project Cost

(District of Saanich)

2014 435,000 50,000 485,000

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Restoration volunteers

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advantage of additional resources when they become available.

Resource Conservation Program

The Regional Parks Conservation Program sup-ports a wide range of conservation projects and initiatives. Regional Parks continues to contrib-ute to the American Bullfrog control program with Integrated Water Services. The Mill Hill Restoration Project is ongoing and Regional Parks continues to work with the Capital Region Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) toward the management of high priority invasive plants. We continue to work with various organizations toward better conservation and stewardship including Habitat Acquisition Trust, the Metchosin Foundation, the Coastal Douglas Fir Conservation Partnership and a new group called "Co-existing with Carnivores" focusing on human wildlife relationships in and around our parks and across the region. The parks act as natural laboratories and in support of that, 22 research permits were reviewed and issued in 2014.

Mill Hill Restoration Mill Hill Regional Park contains 20 hectares of endangered Garry Oak ecosystems with 13 associated plant species at risk creating one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in British Columbia, The Mill Hill Restoration Project has been underway since 2002. Over 150 committed volunteers have contributed 4000 hours of work joining CRD staff in remov-ing over 68 metric tonnes of invasive Scotch broom shrubs and making trail improvements on open meadow habitats. The project has re-ceived generous funding from the Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program since project inception. This and other sources have resulted in more than $500,000 in external

funding. Recent changes in the funding envi-ronment and results from project monitoring have necessitated a review of the project's sustainability. A review is now underway to establish a long-term program with oppor-tunities to expand program scope to take


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Parks Operations

Parks Operations staff are responsible for the daily operations and maintenance of the CRD's regional parks and trails. They attend to nature centres, facilities and amenities, campgrounds, trails, beaches, picnic areas, parking lots, bridg-es, kiosks and signs. They support restoration projects, and park safety and security, includ-ing bylaw enforcement and fire management. Annual operating plans guide the maintenance of all regional parks and trails.

2014 saw Operations staff support several large-scale projects and initiatives such as the Thetis Lake Pistol Range Remediation Project, the replacement of the picnic shelter at Island View Beach Regional Park, and the building of a dam at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Operations staff were also involved in the planning and development of new amenities at Brooks Point Regional Park.

Carpentry at CRD Regional Parks headquarters


Regional Trails

Regional trails connect people and communities throughout the region. These nearly 100 km of multi-use trails are easily accessible and act as important recreational and transportation links for residents and visitors to the region. They consist of the E & N Rail Trail, and the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails. 2013 saw approximately three million users accessing and enjoying the CRD's regional trails.

2014 Project Highlights - Regional Trails

Park or Trail Project Project Costs

Galloping Goose Regional Trail Resurfacing the section of trail between Royal Roads University and Kelly Road.

$11,932

Galloping Goose Regional Trail Construction of an overflow parking lot at Atkins Road.

$ 7,910

Galloping Goose Regional Trail Re-pave between Interurban Trestle to Tillicum Road.

$ 14,400

Galloping Goose, Lochside a E&N Regional Trails

Install drinking fountains* $30,000

Lochside Regional Trail Purchase new bollards to ad-dress safety access and maintenance issues.

$ 7,415

Lochside Regional Trail

Re-asphalt area of major root heave between Ardwell Avenue to Gabriola Place.

$ 11,645

* Fountains were funded through the "A Drop In The Bucket" campaign. Installation was completed in 2014.

Regional Parks

North Area Regional Parks This area consists of the parks located with-in the boundaries of the District of Central Saanich, Township of Esquimalt, the District of Highlands, District of North Saanich, District of Oak Bay, District of Saanich, Town of Sidney, City of Victoria, and Town of View Royal.

In 2014, the group picnic shelter at Island View Beach Regional Park was replaced. The origi-nal structure was installed in 2005 and being primarily made of steel began to rust. The new shelter is primarily constructed of wood so it will last much longer and is a better fit in a marine park setting.

West Area Regional Parks This area includes regional parks that lie within the boundaries of the City of Colwood, City of Langford, District of Metchosin, District of Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. In 2014, in addition to the routine operation and maintenance of the parks, Regional Parks' staff continued to work collaboratively with the Charters River Salmon Interpretive Centre to improve visitor access and viewing opportuni-ties. The upgrading of facilities at Jordan River Regional Park continued with the construction of a new toilet building at Sandcut Beach. A major culvert was installed in the Sea-to-Sea Regional Park Reserve, in addition to the installation of a bridge on the Riverside Trail in the Sooke Potholes Regional Park.

Island View Beach Regional Pork picnic shelter replacement

2014 Project Highlights - North


Thetis Lake Trail improvements $4,000

Island View Beach Replace Picnic Shelter $44,020

Elk/Beaver Lake Repair failing sections of asphalt

$13,000

2014 Project Highlights - West


Jordan River Sandcut toilet building $16,639

Sea to Sea Culvert installation $14,703

Sooke Potholes Riverside Trail bridge $20,285


EXPERIENCE THE SOUTHERN GULF ISLANDS

cycling and pedestrian draft trail plan Making a dil terence...icigelbei

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Southern Gulf Islands Area

The Southern Gulf Islands Area consists of the following Regional Parks and Reserves: Mount Parke (Mayne Island), Mill Farm (Salt Spring Island), Brooks Point (Pender Island), and Matthews Point (Galiano Island). Regional Parks works in concert with the Parks and Recreation Commissions and conservation groups to sup-port and achieve shared goals and objectives. Beyond regular maintenance, the regional parks in the Southern Gulf Islands received upgrades to signage, toilet buildings, and construction of a service road.

2014 Project Highlights


Mount Parke (Mayne Island) Construction of a service road at the end of Kim Road into Mount Parke

$ 11,850

Brooks Point (Pender Island) Construction of a new toilet building

$11,600

Pender Island


Fire Suppression Program

Bylaw Enforcement Program

Regional Parks Fire Suppression

Program

Regional Parks' Fire crews liaise with local fire departments, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, CRD Protective Services and Integrated Water Services for fire suppression. Regional Parks staff responded to eleven fire incidents in 2014. The largest two fires combined burned about 1/2 hectare in Thetis Lake Regional Park. There were nine other instances totaling less than .2 hectares. The fires were at Thetis Lake Regional Park, the Lochside and Galloping Goose Regional Trails, Sooke Potholes Regional Park, Humpback Reservoir, Kapoor Regional Park and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.

Protecting these resources strengthens the management of existing parks and trails and conserves and restores parklands so that they retain their ecological and cultural integrity.

Focus on Training: training was carried out with CRD Water Fire Crews and the prov-ince's Wildfire Management Branch staff. Staff also participated in the annual Emergency Preparedness Day event. Thirty-one season-al and regular staff were trained to BC Forest Service standards for basic firefighters.

Page 15

Bylaw Enforcement Program

The Regional Parks Bylaw Enforcement Program provides regulation enforcement to ensure safe and enjoyable visits to regional parks.

In 2014, CRD Bylaw Enforcement Services provided 673 Bylaw Officer patrol hours (two officers per hour of patrol). During the summer months, patrols were focused at popular beach and swimming areas to reduce the presence of alcohol, enforce seasonal dog prohibitions from designated areas, and address other non-com-pliant activities. In addition, Bylaw Officers patrolled during the spring and fall season to ensure that visitors complied with animal con-trol and other park regulations.

CRD Bylaw Officers issued 156 written warn-ings, 17 Municipal Ticket Information or fines, and 71 evictions.

Regional Parks staff continued to work closely with the region's RCMP detachments to coor-dinate joint CRD-RCMP park patrols, address more serious incidents or issues within regional parks, and to increase the overall enforcement presence in regional parks. These efforts have proved effective in reducing the total number of reported bylaw violations in 2014.


Visitation Statistics

Regional Park/Trail 2014 Visits

Albert Head Lagoon 68,499

Brooks Point 5,655

Coles Bay 24,162

Devonian 49,358

East Sooke 145,361

Elk/Beaver Lake 1,476,159

Francis/King 76,381

Galloping Goose 1,948,525

Gonzales Hill 42,144

Horth Hill 65,944

Island View Beach 366,424

Jordan River (Sandcut Beach) 12,107

Lochside 1,120,138

Lone Tree Hill 9,455

Matheson Lake 47,555

Mill Hill 35,087

Mount Parke 5,760

Mount Wells 34,591

Mount Work 166,491

Sea to Sea (Harbourview) 31,250

Sooke Potholes 107,226

Thetis Lake 432,300

Witty's Lagoon 68,370

Total 6,338,941

Visitor Services and Community Development

Connecting people with the natural en-vironment, providing volunteer oppor-tunities for residents and cultivating community partnerships are the corner-stones of Visitor Services and Community Development. Staff provide opportunities for park visitors of all ages to learn more about their natural and cultural heritage through guided hikes, walks, school pro-grams and special events throughout the year. Staff also provide information and publications to the public about regional parks and trails, issue park use permits for group picnic shelters and special events and provide administrative and financial management support to the division.

Group picnic shelter at Island View Beach Regional Pork Environmental interpretive school program



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Environmental Interpretation Services

Environmental Interpretation offers a wide variety of free and low-cost information and education services to communities, including school field trips, public programs, and commu-nity events.

These programs include guided nature walks, adult hikes, guided canoe programs, registered workshops, roving interpreters and special events. These activities provide opportunities for outdoor experiences in the region's park system while learning more about the natural and cultural heritage.

Program Statistics: 2014

Nature Centres: # of Visitors

Elk/Beaver Lake 1,329

Francis/King 3,301

Witty's Lagoon 3,709

Programs: # of Participants

School Programs 4,320

Community Events 4,635

Guided Walks 3,138

Special Events 5,105

Francis/King Regional Park

Partnerships and Legacy Programs

Regional Parks values partnerships built with community organizations, volunteer groups, First Nations and other government agen-cies. Partnerships provide the opportunity for growth, engagement and service that reaches beyond our core services. With partners, we continue to acquire additional parkland, engage in environmental stewardship, and increase the accessibility of designated user-friendly trails and environments. New partnerships allow for collaboration that encourages a healthy active lifestyle for all ages, offer opportunities for inclusion and the building of a stronger region in the terms of children's health.

Regional Parks' Legacy Program is flexible and responsive to the community It offers one-time gift options, an avenue for individual donations to current initiatives, and planned giving possi-bilities. In 2014, Regional Parks received gener-ous donations from Mr. Buchanan for park facil-ity development, and the Surfrider Foundation — South Vancouver Island Chapter, directed to land acquisition. Click HERE to read more about the Regional Parks' Legacy Program.

Partnership projects undertaken in 2014 include:

Healthy Kids R Us (HKRU): HKRU's phase one initiative consisted of bringing together com-munity organizations across the region for a one-day workshop to discuss health issues relating to children and youth. HKRU focuses

on collaboration and capacity building within the Capital Regional District.

Native Seed Packaging with the Garth Homer Society: This was a successful pilot program to package native Western Columbine seeds, which resulted in posi-tive community engagement, and was a great tool for the promotion of planting native species.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op Race Series: This collaborative delivery of a series of five running races on regional trails and in regional parks throughout 2014 brought over 900 runners from ages five to over 65 throughout the year.

Many thanks to the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society for their financial support in 2014. Regional Parks received a grant for $750.00 towards the purchase of outfitting each of our three nature centres with three Nature Discovery Packs for family learning and nature exploration.


Healthy Kids R Us Forum

Volunteers in Parks Program

.For more than 30 years, volunteers have helped protect and manage over 13,000 hectares of regional parkland that add to the region's quality of life and the long-term health of the people who live here. Volunteers strengthen our connection with visitors and encourage community stewardship of regional parks and trails. Volunteers are educators, ambassadors and hands-on stewards, supporting and com-plementing the work of staff.

Regional Parks' volunteers also support sever-al annual events and initiatives including the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up, Earth Day activities, Mill Hill Broom Sweep and Bike to

Work Week Victoria. Volunteer Naturalists support programs and events at our three nature centres located in Witty's Lagoon, Francis/King and Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Parks.

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Summary of Progress In 2014, 646 volunteers contributed over 4,700 hours of time pursuing their passion for parks.

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Volunteers in Parks program

Special Achievement The 2014 Annual Volunteer Recognition Event celebrated Joe Percival, Volunteer Naturalist at Witty's Lagoon Regional Park, for 25 years of volunteering with CRD. Joe has had a var-ied history with Regional Parks as a Park Steward, Volunteer Naturalist and Restoration Volunteer. Joe received an Eco-Star Award in 2001 for Natural Area Restoration for the Daphne Laureola invasive species project that he headed up at Witty's Lagoon. His extensive knowledge of plants and ethnobotany, and his friendly, giving nature have made Joe a great resource for the many visitors to the nature centre over the years.


Communications and Creative Services

Communications and Creative Services (CCS) help residents understand and be aware of Regional Parks programs and services through marketing, social media, media relations and reception/ general inquiries. CCS promotes regional parks and trails and environmental in-terpretation programs, provides up-to-date park information to enhance the visitor experience and raises awareness of the CRD Regional Parks mandate and strategic priorities.

Headquarters and Administrative Services

Regional Parks Headquarters is located in Mill Hill Regional Park. The facility is home to the Planning, Resource Management and Development, Visitor Services and Community Development, and Operations teams. Administration staff perform a range of duties to ensure residents and visitors receive the information needed to plan and enjoy their park or trail experience. In addition to assist-ing the general public, Administrative Services staff support the day to day requirements of Regional Parks Headquarters.

In 2014 Regional Parks issued 243 permits which attracted more than 27,306 participants and spectators and generating $9,490 in rev-enue. Park use permits issued in 2014 are summarized below:

• 135 Group Picnic Shelter permits issued to groups, businesses and the public for use of shelters at East Sooke, Elk/Beaver Lake and Island View Beach regional parks.


68 Special Event permits issued for events such as the Polar Bear Swim, Saanich Strawberry Festival, Bike to Work Week, Half Iron Triathlon, school cross-country meets, walkathons, running events and orienteering competitions.

19 Research Activity permits issued to agencies to carry out inventories, field trials and environmental assessments. Scientific research in regional parks is supported as it benefits the parks and trails system with improved understanding of the area and enhanced management capabilities.

16 Commercial Service permits issued to companies providing guided hiking, cycling, kayaking and fitness training at Coles Bay, East Sooke, Elk/Beaver Lake, Francis/King, North Hill, Sooke Potholes and Thetis Lake Regional Parks and the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

5 Commercial Filming permits issued for filming at Elk/Beaver Lake and Francis/King regional parks.

In addition, Administrative Services staff issued 198 seasonal parking passes.

Regional Parks Sign and Display Shop The multi-purpose sign and display shop is located at the Regional Parks headquarters. The shop provides creative services and products to support programs and projects.

Areas of support include the Regional Parks' sign replacement program, volunteer and part-nership programs, nature centres, interpretive nature programs, community/special events, and parks management programs.

Graphic design, illustration, typesetting, photo composites/concepts, image restorations and pre-press preparation skills are used in the pro-duction of a wide range of signs, decals, post-ers, display boards, banners, maps, floor/win-dow graphics and interactive learning games.

In 2014, 294 projects were completed on time and on budget for a total of 2,419 finished pieces. That translates into over 464.5 m2 (5,000 sq. ft) of signs and displays.

Links Appendix

CRD Regional Parks Home Page crd.bc.ca/parks

Regional Parks Strategic Plan https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/parks-pdf/regional-parks-strategic-plan-2012-21.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Regional Parks Legacy Program http://www.crd.bc.ca/legacies


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